Though probably facing a difficult task to make the Braves’ 25-man roster, Josh Ravin joins a logjam of right-handed bullpen competitors in spring training.
Here are five things to know about Ravin:
When acquired: The Dodgers designated Ravin for assignment Nov. 20 and on the same day traded him to the Braves for cash considerations.
What to expect: Ravin, who turned 30 last month, likely has plenty of work to do to make the 25-man roster, given that the Braves have right-handers Arodys Vizcaino, Jose Ramirez, Dan Winkler, Akeel Morris, Matt Wisler, Chase Whitley, Jason Hursh, Shane Carle and (maybe) Aaron Blair battling for bullpen spots. Lucas Sims could factor into the competition, too, though he will first try to win a spot in the starting rotation. Luke Jackson and Josh Graham are non-roster invitees in the bullpen mix.
Summary of career: Drafted by the Reds out of a California high school in 2006, Ravin is playing for his fourth organization, having played in the Reds and Brewers farm systems before making his majors debut with the Dodgers in 2015.
Career highlight: In 2016, Ravin pitched 9 2/3 innings in 10 relief appearances and recorded a 0.93 ERA and batters hit .065 off him. (The season before his ERA was 6.75 and batters hit .310. In 2017 his ERA was 6.48 and batters hit .197 off him.)
Something you didn't know about him: Ravin was suspended 80 games without pay in May 2016 after he tested positive for a banned performance-enhancing substance. Ravin said that to boost his recovery from an illness during spring training that year, he took a supplement that he did not know contained the banned substance.
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