We’re starting to see the Atlanta Braves pitching staff take shape as the roster cuts keep coming. With Opening Day creeping closer, Atlanta has been making moves left and right to fine-tune the team.
Over the weekend, they sent two more pitchers down to minor league camp: Chasen Shreve and Jordan Weems.
These aren’t shocking moves by any stretch, but they do provide more clarity on how the bullpen is shaping up as the countdown to the regular season continues.
Chasen Shreve’s Return to Atlanta Ends Early
Chasen Shreve is first up. If you’ve been following the Braves long enough, you might remember that he started his career with Atlanta in 2014.
Since then, he’s been a baseball nomad, bouncing around to seven different teams before landing back with the Braves on a minor league deal this offseason.
He got a brief look with the Rockies last year, making just one appearance. While he did pitch three scoreless innings in two outings this spring, it wasn’t enough to crack the depth chart.
The Braves already have a solid trio of lefties in Aaron Bummer, Dylan Lee, and Angel Perdomo. So, Shreve was always a long shot to make the roster.
Jordan Weems Struggles with Control
Then there’s Jordan Weems. A five-year veteran, Weems spent last season with the Nationals, posting a 6.70 ERA and struggling with control.
He came into camp hoping to earn a spot in Atlanta’s bullpen but couldn’t overcome the same issues that plagued him last year. Three walks in two innings is not exactly the way to win over the coaching staff.
Like Shreve, Weems was a depth piece from the start. While it’s always tough to see guys get sent down, this move was expected.
What This Means for the Braves Bullpen
So what does this mean for the Braves’ bullpen? Honestly, not much changes in the grand scheme of things.
Raisel Iglesias is still locked in as the closer, with Pierce Johnson and Daysbel Hernández providing right-handed support.
Buck Farmer, one of the team’s non-roster invitees, remains in the mix. Plus, Rule 5 pick Anderson Pilar is currently pegged for a long relief role.
With less than a month to go before the season begins, the bullpen picture is getting clearer, but there are still a few battles left to watch.
The Braves are methodically trimming the roster, and while Shreve and Weems weren’t likely to make the team, these moves signal that Atlanta is getting closer to its final Opening Day roster.
