Worth noting

• Jonny Venters is scheduled to throw his first live batting practice of this year at the Braves' Spring Training facility Friday. Relievers often complete this exercise at least four times before being cleared to pitch in their first exhibition game. But because Venters is attempting to return from a second Tommy John surgery, the Braves will likely be extra cautious during the final stages of the rehab process.

• Thomas learned of his promotion after he had boarded Gwinnett's team bus after Friday night's game at Lehigh Valley. He exited the bus, gathered all his gear from the clubhouse and then got little sleep before taking a 7 a.m. ET flight from Allentown, Pa., to Atlanta on Saturday.