KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The Braves released veteran catcher Ryan Lavarnway, who spent part of the 2015 season with their major league team and had hit well at Triple-A Gwinnett this season.
With A.J. Pierzynski and Tyler Flowers handling the catching duties at the major league level, the Braves knew there was little chance Lavarnway, 28, would be needed in Atlanta this season. It appears they released him at least in part because he’d have a better chance to get back to the big-league level with another team.
Lavarnway hit .276 (27-for-98) with eight doubles and a .336 OBP in 25 games at Gwinnett.
The move opened a spot for veteran Anthony Recker, a solid defensive catcher who started 100 games behind the plate for the Mets during the 2013-15 seasons. The Braves traded cash to the Indians for Recker last week. The Braves also have 33-year-old catcher Blake Lalli at Gwinnett.
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