<img alt="MLB: Spring Training-Minnesota Twins at Atlanta Braves" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/puqBc_AnCB6JplyAuJeYNlgtBO8=/0x0:2419x1613/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73940735/usa_today_25576552.0.jpg">
Chris Sale looked great again | Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images
Chris Sale looked fantastic, but the bats could not get anything going against the Twins The Atlanta Braves and Chris Sale took on the Minnesota Twins in their daytime spring training matchup. Time is ticking for players to claim available roster spots, and it is was a fun one to see these players compete.
It is always an interesting dynamic in spring training. Players are more concerned with working on ramping up and refining their mechanics than actually winning the game. Even more interesting is that in spring training is that some teammates are actively competing against each other for a roster spot.
The Braves just played their tenth spring game out of thirty, so there is still some time left to shape up the roster, but March 27th is coming fast. That being said, outside of the DH slot, we saw what was likely the players that will be in the lineup when the season starts.
Position Players
The Braves struggled to score runs. This was not for a lack of baserunners from the starters though, so that is a good sign. Randy Dobnak was the starter for the Twins and went 3.0 innings. The Braves were able to tag him for three singles and two walks in that time frame. However, this did not result in runs.
A few players stuck out offensively even though the bats were quiet overall. Austin Riley stayed hot with two more hits in three at-bats. Garrett Cooper came in the game in the sixth as a DH and continued to do well. He was able to get a double, but ultimately did not score.
On the defensive side, it should be of note that Eli White came in the game to play second base. It is pretty clear that the Braves are trying hard to be able to use him as a utility player off the bench.
Pitching
Other than hitting the first batter he saw, Chris Sale looked sharp in 4.0 innings. He did not give up a single hit, only gave up one walk, struck out four and was able to induce five ground balls. Chris Sale is already an elite pitcher. If his groundball rate of 46.0 percent from last season raises from its already above average rate, he could reach a new level.
Sale was relieved by Jake Diekman who has done a fine job in working towards a roster spot in his limited action of 3.0 innings thus far this spring. Even with the one single he gave up, he has yet to give up a run and has a WHIP of 0.67. Again. Extremely small sample size, but it is fun to see a veteran making a case for himself.
Bryce Elder, who still has some minor league options, has also been a pitcher to keep an eye since the Braves will have to make a hard decision on if they keep him down to allow players like Ian Anderson who is out of options to be on the roster and not lose them to waivers.
Elder has struggled a bit so far this spring but he ultimately got the job done today in terms of runs with zero in two innings. However, he struggled in his second inning. He loaded the bases, but was able to get out of the jam.
In summary
Chris Sale looked fantastic as did most of the pitching. Despite the score, Elder had five base runners in 2.1 innings and had to get out of a bases loaded jam.
Eli White played the infield again at second base, showing real signs that the Braves want him off the bench this season.
Austin Riley stayed hot with two hits, and Garrett Cooper had a double on his pinch hit in the sixth inning.
Hopefully the starting lineup was just working on mechanics today, because outside of Ozuna not playing, the other players in the lineup are slotting for either starting roles or large chunks of playing time to start the season.
The Braves have an off-day tomorrow and will take on the Marlins on Thursday evening at 6:05 eastern.
<img alt="MLB: Spring Training-Minnesota Twins at Atlanta Braves" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/puqBc_AnCB6JplyAuJeYNlgtBO8=/0x0:2419x1613/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73940735/usa_today_25576552.0.jpg">
Chris Sale looked great again | Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images
Chris Sale looked fantastic, but the bats could not get anything going against the Twins The Atlanta Braves and Chris Sale took on the Minnesota Twins in their daytime spring training matchup. Time is ticking for players to claim available roster spots, and it is was a fun one to see these players compete.
It is always an interesting dynamic in spring training. Players are more concerned with working on ramping up and refining their mechanics than actually winning the game. Even more interesting is that in spring training is that some teammates are actively competing against each other for a roster spot.
The Braves just played their tenth spring game out of thirty, so there is still some time left to shape up the roster, but March 27th is coming fast. That being said, outside of the DH slot, we saw what was likely the players that will be in the lineup when the season starts.
Position Players
The Braves struggled to score runs. This was not for a lack of baserunners from the starters though, so that is a good sign. Randy Dobnak was the starter for the Twins and went 3.0 innings. The Braves were able to tag him for three singles and two walks in that time frame. However, this did not result in runs.
A few players stuck out offensively even though the bats were quiet overall. Austin Riley stayed hot with two more hits in three at-bats. Garrett Cooper came in the game in the sixth as a DH and continued to do well. He was able to get a double, but ultimately did not score.
On the defensive side, it should be of note that Eli White came in the game to play second base. It is pretty clear that the Braves are trying hard to be able to use him as a utility player off the bench.
Pitching
Other than hitting the first batter he saw, Chris Sale looked sharp in 4.0 innings. He did not give up a single hit, only gave up one walk, struck out four and was able to induce five ground balls. Chris Sale is already an elite pitcher. If his groundball rate of 46.0 percent from last season raises from its already above average rate, he could reach a new level.
Sale was relieved by Jake Diekman who has done a fine job in working towards a roster spot in his limited action of 3.0 innings thus far this spring. Even with the one single he gave up, he has yet to give up a run and has a WHIP of 0.67. Again. Extremely small sample size, but it is fun to see a veteran making a case for himself.
Bryce Elder, who still has some minor league options, has also been a pitcher to keep an eye since the Braves will have to make a hard decision on if they keep him down to allow players like Ian Anderson who is out of options to be on the roster and not lose them to waivers.
Elder has struggled a bit so far this spring but he ultimately got the job done today in terms of runs with zero in two innings. However, he struggled in his second inning. He loaded the bases, but was able to get out of the jam.
In summary
Chris Sale looked fantastic as did most of the pitching. Despite the score, Elder had five base runners in 2.1 innings and had to get out of a bases loaded jam.
Eli White played the infield again at second base, showing real signs that the Braves want him off the bench this season.
Austin Riley stayed hot with two hits, and Garrett Cooper had a double on his pinch hit in the sixth inning.
Hopefully the starting lineup was just working on mechanics today, because outside of Ozuna not playing, the other players in the lineup are slotting for either starting roles or large chunks of playing time to start the season.
The Braves have an off-day tomorrow and will take on the Marlins on Thursday evening at 6:05 eastern.
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