The Atlanta Braves continue to narrow down their spring training roster as Grapefruit League play rolls deeper into March, making another series of moves that trim the size of big league camp and clarify the organization’s short-term development plans.
Braves Option Jhancarlos Lara to Triple-A
Just ahead of Thursday’s first pitch, the Braves announced that right-handed pitcher Jhancarlos Lara had been optioned to Triple-A Gwinnett. While Lara entered camp as an intriguing arm with notable upside, he did not appear in a Grapefruit League game for the major league club during his time in big league camp.
Lara’s appeal remains rooted in the raw power of his arsenal. His high-velocity fastball and sharp slider give him the kind of swing-and-miss potential that draws attention within a pitching development pipeline. However, the challenge has been translating those tools into consistent production on the stat sheet.
The numbers from last season illustrate that duality. Pitching between Double-A Columbus and Triple-A Gwinnett, Lara struck out an impressive 104 hitters across 68 2/3 innings. Yet that strikeout total came alongside significant control issues, as he walked 65 batters during the same stretch. Those struggles contributed to a 7.73 ERA and a 1.72 WHIP. The Braves will continue working with Lara in Gwinnett, focusing on refining his command while preserving the high-end velocity that gives him long-term potential.
Four Players Reassigned to Minor League Camp
Atlanta also reassigned four players to minor league camp: right-hander Austin Pope and infielders Jim Jarvis, Alex Lodise, and Luke Waddell. With these moves, the Braves reduced their major league camp roster to 54 players as the organization steadily progresses toward final roster decisions.
Jarvis and Lodise both received several opportunities late in spring training games, offering glimpses of their abilities while facing major league competition. Jarvis appeared in nine games and went 1-for-14 with an RBI. One of his more notable moments came earlier this week against the Detroit Tigers, when he made a diving stop that helped turn a double play, showcasing his defensive instincts in the infield.
Lodise, selected by the Braves in the second round of the 2025 MLB Draft, appeared in seven games this spring. He went 1-for-8 with an extra-base hit and an RBI. For both Jarvis and Lodise, the experience provided valuable exposure to the pace and expectations of major league camp before returning to continue their development in the minor league system.
Waddell and Pope Show Value During Camp
Luke Waddell’s reassignment likely sends him back to Triple-A Gwinnett, where he has spent most of the past two seasons serving as a reliable infield option. Waddell appeared in 91 games for Gwinnett last season and logged 112 games there the year prior, providing consistent depth within the organization. In spring training action this year, he went 3-for-9 with a double.
Austin Pope, who joined the Braves on a minor league contract during the offseason, also made a brief but effective impression in camp. Across three innings of work, the right-hander allowed one earned run on two baserunners while recording four strikeouts, demonstrating solid command in limited action.
As Atlanta continues Grapefruit League play in North Port, Florida, the roster will continue to evolve. Each round of moves brings the Braves closer to identifying the group that will carry expectations into the regular season, while others return to the minor league system to continue their development within the organization.
