Braves thin roster at Spring Training

As camp wears on, the Braves active roster heading into the season begins to take shape.  While none of the moves made were particularly surprising, it may temper some of the excitement of the fans, and bring an uneasy reminder that the organization is, in fact rebuilding, and the prospects of the future are, exactly that the future.

Released:
Kyle Kendrick - Everyone saw that coming.  Kendrick struggled mightily this spring, and while I believe he will be picked up by another club, Atlanta is just too flush with pitching to spend a roster spot on the veteran.
Chris Volstad - In limited action this spring, Volstad did not make enough of an impression to keep a roster spot.

Sent to Triple-A Gwinnett:
Tyrell Jenkins - Still trying to figure out what to do with Jenkins, who was brought in as a powerful late-inning reliever, but has since been stretching in the minors to fill a rotation spot.

Also sent to AAA were: Daniel Castro (INF), Danny Barawa (RHP), Casey Kelly (RHP)

Sent to Double-A Mississippi
Marucio Cabrera - "The aimless fireball" as i've come to call him, he will continue to hone his control of his blazing pitches.  Best guesses put him still a couple of years away from donning an Atlanta uniform.

Sent to Minor League Camp:
Sean Newcomb: - Getting his first look in an Atlanta uniform, Newcomb failed to show the control the team was hoping to see, pitching ineffectively, issuing 6 walks over just 1.2 innings.  Look for that to be a focus point for him over this season, probably at AA.

Rio Ruiz - While Ruiz posted a .400 average this spring, third base is a bit of a logjam with veterans (Olivera, Beckham, Garcia, I actually discuss it here) that will all get some looks before him.  If he can put up big numbers in the minors though, look for him to maybe FINALLY get some time at Turner Field.

Also sent to minors camp:  Chris Ellis (RHP), Chase d'Arnaud (INF), Nate Frieman (INF), Madison Younginer (RHP), and David Holmberg (LHP)

Some other notes....

- Freddie Freeman indicated that it was not his wrist, but his hand that irked him during a check swing, and he is currently in the lineup today.  The Braves are understandably cautious with Freeman, so it will be interesting to see if this is the trend, where any discomfort will cost him playing time.
- The release of Kendrick opens up an opportunity for Jholys Chacin and Aaron Blair to crack the opening day rotation, both have had strong showings so far this spring, however Chacin's veteran status may give him the edge if they only take one to Atlanta.
- Mallex Smith could be closer to making the big club than initially thought, although I would not expect him to crack the opening day roster, all signs are pointing to a 2016 call up.
- Nick Swisher hasn't had a great start, and he will need to improve not necessarily with the hopes of a starting job, but to drum up some trade value for the team, who has been shopping him and Michael Bourn.  There is talk the Braves might just release him, but none of that has been confirmed.