Atlanta Braves news and notes from Saturday

Well we’re nearly there: Opening Day. Only three Spring Training games remain and multiple pitchers have already gone through their final tune-up. While things have mostly gone well in spring, with a few close calls on injuries and a moderate injury to Sean Murphy, nobody needed Tommy John and that is a win in my book. I will say that the player I am most concerned about right now is Reynaldo Lopez, who has been a couple ticks down in velocity and has really struggled to miss bats, with only 5 strikeouts in 13.0 spring innings. It isn’t exactly a massive sample, but the combination of those factors is something worth keeping an eye on. Fortunately, Chris Sale looks like Chris Sale, Spencer Schwellenbach looks like a young star, Spencer Strider looks like his pre-injury self, and AJ Smith-Shawver may have taken a big step.

Braves News

Reynaldo Lopez struggled to miss bats once again, but managed to pitch 6.0 scoreless innings in a scoreless spring tie.

Sean Murphy has begun some baseball activities and will hopefully be able to rejoin the roster within three weeks.

MLB News

Catcher Alejandro Kirk signed a five-year extension with the Blue Jays worth $58 million, with no club options or deferrals.

The Rockies and Guardians made a challenge trade, as the Guardians received Nolan Jones in return for Tyler Freeman.

The Guardians signed a five-year extension with starting pitcher Taylor Bibee with a club option on the back.

Royals’ first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino exited Saturday’s Spring Training game with a hamstring injury.

Rays’ Shane McClanahan left Saturday’s spring tune-up with a tricep injury that seems to be unrelated to his elbow.