It seems there is always at least one Braves player whose arrival at spring training is delayed due to visa issues in his home country. So far this year it’s only one: catcher Jesus Flores, who signed a minor league contract that included an invitation to major league spring training.
Flores is still in his native Venezuela, but the Braves believe he could be at spring training within the next 5-6 days. Braves pitchers and catchers have began workouts Saturday, and the team’s first full-squad workout is Thursday.
A 30-year-old former Nationals catcher, Flores last played in the majors in 2012. He didn’t sign with the Braves until Jan. 30.
For the Royals’ Triple-A affiliate in 2014, he hit .248 with a .304 OBP and five homers in 150 plate appearances over 40 games. In five seasons with the Nationals, Flores had a .241 average, .289 OBP and 23 homers in 1,014 PAs over 311 games.
