The Braves made a final round of cuts to their roster Wednesday, optioning infielder Rio Ruiz to Triple-A Gwinnett and reassigning outfielders Ezequiel Carrera and Danny Santana, infielder Sean Kazmar Jr. and righty Anibal Sanchez to Minor League camp.
Ruiz, 23, was contending for the Braves' third-base job in the wake of Johan Camargo's injury, but that spot will likely go to recent acquisition Ryan Flaherty. Ruiz hit .206 (14-for-68) with six extra-base hits in Grapefruit League action, while Flaherty manned the hot corner in the Braves' final two exhibition games.
Santana's demotion could signal that Lane Adams will make the Braves' Opening Day roster as an outfielder. Santana compiled a .269 average (14-for-52) with five extra-base hits in 23 spring games. The Braves acquired Carrera earlier this month after he was released by the Blue Jays, but the veteran ultimately lost out in a seven-way battle for outfield spots on Atlanta's roster.
Sanchez, 34, initially signed a free-agent deal with the Twins before he was released and ultimately joined the Braves. He has a good chance to be Atlanta's fifth starter once the team requires one later in April.