Schlosser shows why he's an asset in Majors debut

MILWAUKEE -- As Spring Training neared its end and it became apparent he would begin the season at the Major League level, Gus Schlosser maintained his stoic, even-keeled approach. But Schlosser was reminded that he is human as he dealt with the nerves that he felt before making his Major League debut in Monday's 2-0 Opening Day loss to the Brewers.

Once Julio Teheran completed his six innings of work, the Braves assigned southpaw Ian Thomas to face the two left-handed hitters -- Lyle Overbay and Scooter Gennett -- the Brewers sent to the plate to begin the bottom of the seventh. As this transpired, Schlosser knew he would enter as soon as a right-handed hitter came to the plate.

"I was pretty [darn] nervous," Schlosser said. "I might have hid it well. You've got to expect it. The [veteran] guys in the bullpen told me to just keep breathing. It helped a lot."

After Gennett ended Thomas' debut with a single, Schlosser entered and promptly got Rickie Weeks to ground into an inning-ending double play.

Schlosser could be utilized as a long reliever or potentially return to Triple-A Gwinnett to fortify the organization's depth in the starting pitching department. But the Braves also recognize that his ability to sink the ball with his sidearm delivery could make him a valuable asset during the middle innings.

"It's all relative," Schlosser said of the different roles he could encounter. "You either make pitches for a hitter or you make pitches for seven innings. Whatever they need me to do, I think I'll be fine."