LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — Braves flamethrowing reliever Mauricio Cabrera took a walk on the wild side again Monday, the second time in his past three spring-training appearances that he’s been unable to throw strikes.
The kid with the 100-mph fastball gave up a hit, two runs, two walks and hit a batter while recording just two outs in the eighth inning Monday against the Marlins. This after he gave up a hit, two runs and two walks in one inning Tuesday against the Phillies.
“He’s going to have to try to figure some things out on the side, because obviously there’s some mechanical issues right now,” Braves manager Brian Snitker said. “You’ve got to remember, he’s not a polished guy yet. He was really good (in 2016), but he’s a young kid and he’s still learning. But a young kid with a great arm.
“He’s probably going to get out of whack every now and then. We’ve just got to stay with him, keep working with him, and see if we can get him back in the (strike) zone.”
Cabrera has a 4.70 ERA in eight spring appearances and has allowed six hits and four runs with more walks (eight) than strikeouts (five) in 7 2/3 innings.
“(Pitching coach Chuck Hernandez) may want to give him a side (bullpen session between appearances), just to do some mechanical stuff. I don’t know,” said Snitker, adding that he would not hesitate to pitch Cabrera again soon. “Sure, run him back out there. It’s like a hitter, the only way they can get going is to hit, and the only way he can get going and correct things is to get him back out there.”
Inciarte, Swanson, Garcia play Tuesday: Center fielder Ender Inciarte is scheduled to play Tuesday's game against the Nationals in West Palm Beach, after being away from the Braves more than two weeks to play for Venezuela in the World Baseball Classic. Inciarte had a flight back from San Diego late Sunday. It will be his first Grapefruit League game since March 4….
Third baseman Adonis Garcia is scheduled to return to lineup Tuesday, his first game in nine days since straining his left hamstring….
Shortstop Dansby Swanson will also make the three-hour bus ride to West Palm Beach to play Tuesday in his second game since returning from a two-week absence for a side strain. The rookie played Sunday and did the pregame workout Monday including batting practice, but the Braves wanted to ease him back ito games and didn’t play him Monday. He’ll play Tuesday and, after Wednesday’s team day off, Swanson is set to resume a regular playing schedule.
