TUESDAY
Jason Grilli nearing debut; Braves could use multiple closers
Jason Grilli is set to make his Grapefruit League debut Thursday, and the Braves believe the veteran reliever probably has enough time to be ready when the regular season begins April 4.
Grilli, 39, ruptured his Achilles tendon in the next-to-last game before the 2015 All-Star break and had season-ending surgery. He’s said several times since then that he would be ready for spring training and the 2016 season, and it looks as if he might prove skeptics wrong and be ready by opening day.
Dansby Swanson displays his skills
Dansby Swanson showed off some of his all-around skills Tuesday when the Braves shortstop prospect hit a two-out RBI double in the top of the eighth inning and ranged wide for a highlight-reel defensive play on a grounder in the bottom of the inning against the Tigers.
“What I like about him is what you guys see on the field obviously, the ability and the talent, but also the way he conducts himself and behaves, and his character and work ethic. Those are the things you don’t see, but he brings it every single day.” — manager Fredi Gonzalez
MONDAY
Dave Trembley relishes job of running Braves’ rich farm system
If the 15-month upgrade of the Braves’ minor league system was the equivalent of going from a low-end compact to a luxury sports car, director of player development Dave Trembley and assistant director Jonathan Schuerholz were the guys handed the keys to the Ferrari.
Canadian lefty Evan Rutckyj trying to stick with Braves
After spending the first 5 1/2 years of his career in the Yankees organization, left-hander Evan Rutckyj had a bit of culture shock coming to the Braves. They selected him in the December Rule 5 draft.
“Obviously it’s different,” the Canadian reliever said at the beginning of spring training. “New organization, didn’t really know anybody here, just a couple of guys who used to be with the Yankees. But everybody has treated me like family so far. Everybody’s really nice.”
Braves are getting a lot faster
There’s more speed in the Braves’ organization than there’s been in quite some time, and it’s been evident in the first two weeks of spring-training games.
Outfielders Ender Inciarte and Mallex Smith each tripled in Sunday’s 7-6 loss to the Astros, giving the Braves eight triples to lead the Grapefruit League. Smith has three triples to tie another center-field prospect, the Philles’ Roman Quinn, for the majors lead.
SUNDAY
Matt Wisler unveils Glavine-assisted change-up
He gave up a leadoff double to Astros star Jose Altuve in the first inning, but young pitcher Matt Wisler settled down quickly and turned in a solid outing Sunday in his second spring start.
After throwing only one breaking ball and no change-ups in his extremely efficient 17-pitch, two-inning debut last week, Wisler used all his pitches against the Astros, including the change-up he worked to hone this winter under the direction of former Braves great Tom Glavine.
