Atlanta Braves

Braves outright LHP Kevin Chapman, aim for 7-man bullpen

Published Mar. 31, 2017 9:31 p.m. ET

Staff

ATLANTA — The Atlanta Braves cut their list of left-handed relief options by one hours before opening SunTrust Park with an exhibition game against the New York Yankees on Friday night.

Atlanta outrighted Kevin Chapman, a recent waiver wire pickup who played with the Houston Astros last season, and moved closer to opening the season with a seven-man bullpen. Manager Brian Snitker and the front office toyed with the idea of combining an eight-man bullpen with a four-man bench throughout spring training.

“With the off days it kinda felt like maybe that would be better," Snitker said of the seven-man bullpen, "but that could change (with) guys on waivers, potential trades and all that kind of stuff. But right now it looks like we’re gonna roll with seven.”

Without Chapman and recent cut Paco Rodriguez, the Braves are set to open the campaign with two left-handers in their relief unit, Ian Krol and Eric O'Flaherty.

Krol struck out nearly 10 batters per nine innings with a 3.18 ERA in 2016 while O'Flaherty, a former Atlanta standout who struggled last season, earned a spot by posting arguably the most surprising numbers in the Braves' spring camp. The veteran southpaw struck out 16 of the 47 batters he faced and allowed only three earned runs.

Krol and O'Flaherty are expected to join Jim Johnson, Arodys Vizcaino, Josh Collmenter, Jose Ramirez and either Chaz Roe or David Hernandez. Young right-hander Mauricio Cabrera will start the season on the disabled list.

The Braves still face a potential decision with their final bench spot alongside presumed Opening Day pieces Kurt Suzuki, Emilio Bonifacio, Jace Peterson and Chase d'Arnaud.

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