The Braves have announced the signings of ten players to minor league contracts, each of which includes an invitation to major league camp. Righty David Carpenter is perhaps the most notable, but the list includes several other recognizable names.
Joining Carpenter in Atlanta’s camp this spring will be fellow righties Chris Volstad and Madison Younginer. Also reporting early for camp will be four catchers: former big leaguer Ryan Lavarnway, along with Willians Astudillo, Matt Kennelly, and Braeden Schlehuber. Veteran infielders Reid Brignac and Chase d’Arnaud, as well as outfielder Matt Tuiasosopo, are also joining the Braves.
Carpenter, 30, had an up-and-down 2015 after being sent from Atlanta to the Yankees in a deal that netted Manny Banuelos. He struggled in New York, generated good results in a short stint with the Nationals, and then ended the season with shoulder issues. Carpenter will look to recover the form he showed over is two years with the Braves, when he worked to a 2.63 ERA over 126 2/3 innings, with an impressive 10.0 K/9 against 2.6 BB/9.
There’s plenty of big league experience in the remainder of that group, too. Volstad threw well at Triple-A last year for the Pirates and could compete for a job in the rotation or the pen. Lavarnway spent time in the majors with Atlanta last season and might well end up the backup catcher if Christian Bethancourt isn’t deemed worthy of a roster spot. And Brignac and d’Arnaud might battle for a utility role.
Scout.com’s Bill Shanks first reported Carpenter’s signing. David O’Brien of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution tweeted the Volstad signing.
Lavarnway did well last year, Carp should rebound well in a comfortable environment, and Astudillo looks like he may have been quite a steal, kid does not strike out.
If Carpenter can get close to his older Braves days, will be a good bargain.
Nice. Like the carpenter signing. He’ll do fine in atl.
Does this mean the Braves now have both David Carpenters?
Younginer could be a solid pickup as a seventh-inning guy at some point.
So does that mean both David Carpenters are currently on the Braves? I wish one of them would go by Dave or Davey or a middle name. It is almost as confusing as the two Matt Duffys that both play 3B.
Don’t forget the Alex Gonzalez conundrum
Speaking of Matt Duffy, I’m curious if the braves and giants could work out a deal including Matt Duffy for Julio Teheran. They already have had talks about Shelby Miller. How about it giants fans? Seem fair?
That’s quite an impressive list of players (sarcasm) and should get the Braves over the hump in no time!
So braves win the trade against new York ,
Dear Ted,
We miss you.
Sincerely,
Braves’ Fans
Unless we sign another john rocker, we’re gonna be boring this year.
How’s this for a block buster deal? Braves send Shelby Miller, Mike Foltynewicz, adonis garcia, and Christian bethancourt to giants for Joe panik and Matt duffy. Seem fair or would braves be paying to much?