Hursh, Ruiz, Smith among latest Braves cuts
The Braves trimmed their roster to 53 players Saturday, reassigning seven to minor league camp, including a former first-round pick, pitcher Jason Hursh.
Atlanta's No. 1 selection in 2013 (31st overall), was joined by third baseman Rio Ruiz, infielder Daniel Castro, outfielders Cedric Hunter and Mallex Smith and catchers Matt Kennelly and Chris O'Dowd.
The right-handed Hursh who went 11-6 with a 3.58 ERA in 148 1/3 innings for Double-A Mississippi last season, appeared in one game this spring. He gave up two runs on four hits in two innings against the Tigers on March 5.
Ruiz, one of the prospects acquired from the Astros in the Evan Gattis deal, played in three games, going 0 for 3 with two walks and a strikeout. 'Baseball America' lists him as the organization's 10th-ranked prospect.
Another of the team's offseason acquisitions, Smith (18th per 'Baseball America'), who was acquired in the Justin Upton trade, got an extended look this spring. He appeared in eight games, going 4 for 11 (.364) with a triple. He also stole two bases and was caught once.