Braves demote 5 of their top prospects in spring training

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 12:02 p.m. ET

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KISSIMMEE, Fla. (AP) The Atlanta Braves have sent down five players who figure to have a big part in their future.

The Braves announced Friday that outfielder Mallex Smith has been optioned to Triple-A Gwinnett, while right-handed pitchers Aaron Blair and Lucas Sims and infielders Ozzie Albies and Dansby Swanson were reassigned to minor league camp.

The 22-year-old Smith had a big spring, batting .346 with one homer, five RBIs and seven extra-base hits.

Swanson and Albies, who are projected as the Braves future double-play combination, also stood out in camp. Swanson, a 22-year-old and No. 1 overall pick in 2015, batted .300 and the 19-year-old Albies hit .371 and showed excellent defensive skills at shortstop.

Blair and Sims struggled a bit, but both figure to be rotation contenders in coming seasons.

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