LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- The Braves made a plethora of roster moves prior to Saturday night's game against the Nationals. Five players were optioned, seven re-assigned and two released as Atlanta trimmed its spring roster by 14 players.
Most of the players who were cut were pitchers, including left-hander Sean Newcomb, the club's No. 2 prospect, as ranked by MLB.com. Newcomb was re-assigned to Minor League camp. He was acquired during the offseason from the Angels as a part of the deal for Andrelton Simmons, and struggled with his command during his brief time in camp. Newcomb allowed six runs on five hits, and walked six in 1 2/3 innings.
"I think he goes back and gets ready for his season," manager Fredi Gonzalez said. "And works toward starting ballgames and stretching himself out."
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In addition to Newcomb, the players re-assigned to Minor League camp included right-handers Chris Ellis and Madison Younginer; left-hander David Holmberg; and infielders Chase d'Arnaud, Nate Frieman and Rio Ruiz. Right-handers Danny Burawa, Tyrell Jenkins -- the club's No.8 prospect -- and Casey Kelly and infielder Daniel Castro were optioned to Triple-A, while right-hander Mauricio Cabrera was optioned to Double-A.
The Braves used a high number of pitchers last year, and Gonzalez wanted to remind the players sent to the Minors that there is a good chance they will pitch for the Major League club at some point.
"We're going to see those guys," Gonzalez said. "Sometime during the course of the year, just the way that pitching is at the big league level, you're going to see them. … That's what I told these guys. Just be ready."
Right-handers Kyle Kendrick and Chris Volstad were also both released unconditionally.