The Braves announced an eight-man bullpen Thursday, and it featured no surprises.
Arodys Vizcaino, A.J. Minter, Jose Ramirez, Peter Moylan, Sam Freeman, Shane Carle, Rex Brothers and Dan Winkler will make up the first of what’s sure to be several editions of the unit.
Manager Brian Snitker was frank: You don’t necessarily know what you’ll get from the group, but pitchers will cement themselves as the season progresses.
“It’s not an established bullpen, per se, but I think guys will define their roles as we play,” Snitker said. “I like it going in. I like the fact we have three pretty good left-handed relievers (Minter, Freeman, Brothers). Jose Ramirez has another year under his belt. Moylan, he’s been pretty good for a long time now. Sammy Freeman, Minter; it’s good to get Minter from the get-go here, healthy.”
Only three members of the bullpen were heavily involved in last season’s underwhelming group: Vizcaino, Ramirez and Freeman. But Minter and Winkler impressed late as both put injuries behind them.
Moylan posted a 3.49 ERA in an American League-high 79 appearances with Kansas City last season. He joined the Braves for the third time Feb. 19.
Brothers and Carle are unlikely long-term contributors unless they show immediate positive contributions. Veteran Chase Whitley is on the disabled list with staph infection, but is expected to take a spot when activated.
Anibal Sanchez, signed March 16 to a minor-league deal, likely will be promoted in the coming weeks. The team doesn’t need a fifth starter until the April 8-11 span, but Sanchez will get the call when the time comes.
“We’re in a holding pattern for that right now,” Snitker said, while pointing out the minor-league season starting a week after the majors gives Sanchez and others less time to prepare.
The Braves also like Sanchez as a reliever and said he could come out of bullpen before making first start. He can swing between rotation and bullpen, if needed.
“If (Sanchez) isn’t available because of circumstances, and we need that fifth guy, we’ll just fire somebody in here,” Snitker said.
While Snitker didn’t specify the names, Matt Wisler, Aaron Blair and Lucas Sims (all with Triple-A Gwinnett) are spot-start candidates. Each former prospect failed to earn a role following their spring auditions. A healthy Whitley also could start.
