The Braves announced 20 non-roster invitees to major league spring training, which begins next month in central Florida.
Pitchers and catchers will report Feb. 15, with their first workout the following day. The team’s first full workout is Feb. 21.
Non-roster invitees include six pitchers, three catchers, six infielders and five outfielders. The players aren’t on the 40-man roster but will receive an opportunity to train with the big-league club and, depending on the circumstance, perhaps earn a spot on the roster.
Among the invitees are right-hander Ian Anderson, recently rated as the franchise’s top pitching prospect by Baseball America. Lefties Kyle Muller and Joey Wentz will also be present. Both have high ceilings, and while neither will likely make the club out of spring training, their progress will be worth tracking through the season.
Third baseman Austin Riley is expected to join the big-league club at some point in 2019. He’ll work out at third and also the corner outfield, since Josh Donaldson will handle the hot corner regularly this season.
Prized catcher prospect William Contreras received an invite. He could be the team’s long-term answer at catcher, and many with the club speak glowingly about Contreras’ well-rounded projections.
Outfielder Greyson Jenista, last year’s second-round pick, was invited. The slugger could work his way up quickly with a solid 2019.
Cristian Pache and Drew Waters, ranked the Braves’ two best outfield prospects, will both be in big-league camp.
The complete list of 2019 non-roster invitees:
Pitchers: RHP Ian Anderson, LHP Thomas Burrows, LHP Corbin Clouse, LHP Tucker Davidson, LHP Kyle Muller, LHP Joey Wentz
Catchers: William Contreras, Carlos Martinez, Jonathan Morales
Infielders: C.J. Aleander, Andres Blanco, Pedro Florimon, Sean Kazmar Luis Marte, Austin Riley
Outfielders: Greyson Jenista, Ryan LaMarre, Rafael Ortega, Cristian Pache, Drew Waters
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