Braves Spring Training Report: Full Update of Surprises, Busts and Injuries
Atlanta Braves fans have seen a little bit of everything this spring training, including season-ending injuries and free-agent signings. The season-ending injuries are never a wanted sight at this time of year, and they have forced the Braves to fill some holes.
Meanwhile, the players in camp are preparing for a fast-approaching Opening Day. Like any team, the Braves have had some pleasant surprises with elevated play. Unfortunately, the flip side of that coin is that the team has also had some flops this spring training.
Whether those elevated performances or struggles translate to the season or not remains to be seen. Until then, here's an updated look at the Braves' surprises, busts and injuries to this point in spring training.
Surprise: Matt Lipka
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Matt Lipka has made the most of his spring training and has made a lasting impression on manager Fredi Gonzalez. While he isn't a factor to make the 25-man roster, he's certainly shown off his athleticism that could make him a factor in the future.
The 2010 first-round pick has hit .286 for the spring and has stolen three bases, showing off his speed by capitalizing on throwing errors and taking the extra base.
It was this hustle and display of speed that Gonzalez called "impressive," via MLB.com's Adam Berry.
Despite being assigned to minor league camp last week, the 21-year-old outfielder showed signs of being a former first-round pick.
Surprise: Alex Wood
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Perhaps Alex Wood's performance this spring training isn't shocking, but the way he is dominating as a 23-year-old is impressive. It's easy to forget that he entered the spring as a potential candidate for the bullpen.
Now, Wood has erased any thoughts of beginning the year in the bullpen with his strong play on the mound.
For the spring, he leads all starters on the team in innings pitched (14), ERA (0.00) and WHIP (0.93) and is second with 12 strikeouts.
His 2014 spring training is reminiscent of the one Julio Teheran put together in 2013, which helped him put together an outstanding rookie season.
Wood looks poised to break out in 2014 in the National League.
Surprise: Gus Schlosser
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One player who could be pitching his way onto the 25-man roster this spring is Gus Schlosser. Schlosser has not garnered as much attention as other relievers on the roster, but he has been effective.
In 9.1 innings this spring, he has posted a 1.93 ERA, 1.18 WHIP and .176 opponent's batting average. He also ranks second among relievers on the team with 10 strikeouts.
Schlosser has had success in his professional career in the minors, posting a 2.79 ERA in his three seasons.
The right-hander could be a surprise candidate to make the 25-man roster on Opening Day.
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Bust: Christian Bethancourt
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Widely considered one of the top prospects in the organization, Christian Bethancourt still needs to prove he can hit consistently. Nobody questions his arm or defensive ability behind the plate; however, his bat has always been the question mark surrounding the talented catcher.
Bethancourt has not used this spring to prove himself offensively, posting a .167 average with just three hits (all singles) in 18 at-bats. He also has, disappointingly, not recorded a walk.
Even so, it's not time to panic just yet on the 22-year-old as he continues to develop at the plate.
The Braves are in a good situation with Evan Gattis serving as the catcher, but Braves fans would still like to see more from Bethancourt at the plate.
Bust: Joey Terdoslavich
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Joey Terdoslavich showed some good things in 55 games with the team in 2013.
The versatile player entered this spring with a chance to win a spot as a power bat off the bench. Unfortunately, he has hit just .156 (five hits) this spring.
While he does have a respectable .289 OBP and showed some pop at the plate with a home run and five RBI, Terdoslavich has not displayed enough consistency as a hitter.
The final bench spot is wide open, and he still has a chance to fill it. However, he has not done enough to win that job outright thanks to an inconsistent spring.
Bust: Juan Jaime
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Similar to the final spot on the bench, the final bullpen spots were open entering the spring. As we head into the final stretch of spring, it is still unclear who Gonzalez will carry in the bullpen on Opening Day.
One of the candidates was Juan Jaime, a right-hander with a power arm. Jaime has not made the most of his spring, as he's posted a a 5.06 ERA in 5.1 innings. Perhaps more disappointing is his 1.50 WHIP (seven walks) and just five strikeouts.
There's no questioning Jaime's arm, and he still looks to figure into the bullpen conversation in the future. However, there's no denying that he's had a disappointing spring and is likely out of the race for a bullpen spot on the 25-man roster on Opening Day.
Injuries
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Unfortunately for the Braves, the injury bug has hit them hard this spring— especially to the pitching staff. Here's the latest on a number of injured Braves.
Brandon Beachy
Beachy was a question mark entering the spring, as he was hoping to bounce back from his 2012 Tommy John surgery. Unfortunately, he will not pitch in 2014, as he will undergo the procedure for the second time, according to Mark Bowman of MLB.com.
Beachy's career with the Braves could be in jeopardy.
Evan Gattis
Gattis has missed recent games with a quad injury and is sitting again Friday. Braves' fans shouldn't worry, however, as it is not serious and he would likely be playing if it was the regular season:
"Yes, cautious. He said quad still a bit sore “@msnimbe: @ajcbraves still no Gattis? Are they just being cautious or is it more serious?”
— David O'Brien (@ajcbraves) March 21, 2014"
The veteran of the Braves pitching staff at 28 years old, as well as a fan favorite, Kris Medlen will not pitch in 2014. He underwent Tommy John surgery Tuesday for the second time in his career.
It's a sad development for one of the good guys in baseball.
"If you missed any of the Kris Medlen audio from this morning, listen to the clips here: http://t.co/y5AbSauG7s. #Braves
— Kevin McAlpin (@KevinMcAlpin) March 12, 2014"
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