LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — With other relievers competing for the final spots in the Braves bullpen, the team had closer Craig Kimbrel and veteran setup men Jason Grilli and Jim Johnson pitch in a minor league camp game on a backfield instead of Wednesday night’s game against the Yankees.
Kimbrel, Grilli, Johnson and left-hander Josh Outman are the only bullpen certainties for the Braves, although lefty James Russell, making $2.425 million, also figures to have a spot. Among the many others competing for a few spots are lefty Luis Avilan, Arodys Vizcaino, Juan Jaime (who is out of options and can’t be sent down without clearing waivers), Brandon Cunniff and non-roster invitees Jose Veras and Michael Kohn.
For the record, Kimbrel gave up a run on two hits and hit a batter in one inning of work in the minor league game. Johnson pitched two scoreless innings and allowed a hit and a walk with three strikeouts, and Grilli gave up two hits and one run with two strikeouts.
Glavine, Garr in camp: Hall of Famer Tom Glavine and former Brave Ralph Garr are uniformed guest instructors in Braves camp this week. Glavine received a warm round of applause when he took out the lineup card to the umpires and Yankees manager Joe Girardi before Wednesday night's game.
Former Brave Matt Diaz is set to appear as a guest instructor March 24-27.
Etc. Prospect Manny Banuelos is scheduled to start for the Braves Thursday against Marlins right-hander Dan Haren.
