Atlanta Braves Roster
- NL East
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Atlanta Braves general manager Alex Anthopoulos revealed on Friday that both third baseman Austin Riley and Johan Camargo were playing so well that they likely would have both made the initial Opening Day roster. One of the main factors for keeping both was that the minor league season started after the big league season, so the Braves would've had the option of sending one of them down to Triple-A eventually if they weren't playing enough. Riley was 10-for-28 in spring training with two home runs, two doubles and four RBI, and he had struck out just five times. He struck out almost 40 percent of the time in his rookie season. The switch-hitting Camargo was 8-for-28 with a homer, two doubles and eight RBI in camp. Whenever the season starts, the Braves will have an expanded roster, so it seems likely that both Riley and Camargo will be with the club. How much either one plays the hot corner is unknown, though, and splitting time would limit their ceilings. Riley is the more attractive fantasy option in deep mixed and NL-only leagues.
Atlanta Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman, who has been away from the team on a family matter, is scheduled to return to the Grapefruit League lineup on Friday, according to manager Brian Snitker. Freeman has missed some time this spring due to elbow issues as well, but it isn't expected to be anything serious and he will be back in the lineup this weekend. Outside of Cody Bellinger of the Dodgers, Freeman is the next best bet at first base for fantasy owners. There's a little added risk because of his elbow, but he's coming off draft boards, on average, with pick No. 16.8.
Atlanta Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman was a late scratch from Tuesday's lineup due to a family matter. Alas, fantasy managers can breathe a sigh of relief, as the stellar infielder has not succumbed to any injury. Freeman will likely be back in the Braves' lineup in the coming days, as he prepares to produce another All-Star campaign.
Atlanta Braves utility man Johan Camargo has likely won the everyday third baseman role, according to Gabe Burns of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Austin Riley has been in the running for the position all spring, and the competition is not officially over, but it seems as though Camargo has won the role for the time being. Camargo is hitting .306 with a home run and six RBI through 26 at-bats in the Grapefruit League, but Riley has also performed well. The 22-year-old has a .320 average and two HRs through 25 at-bats. Whichever player gets the most repetitions at third base this season will see a sizable boost in fantasy value, so this situation is worth monitoring until Opening Day. Riley has more upside and is the better stash in NL-only and dynasty formats.
Atlanta Braves starter Felix Hernandez went five innings, allowing one run on six hits during Monday's 2-1 loss to the Boston Red Sox. He struck out six batters while walking two. The former Cy Young Award winner is trying to resurrect his career with the Braves, and so far through four Spring Training appearances, the returns are looking good. Hernandez has posted a 1.98 ERA across 13 2/3 innings to go along with a 14/5 K/BB rate. The 33-year-old has practically guaranteed himself a spot in the Braves' rotation to start the season. At his current NFBC ADP of 734, he is a viable sleeper option to grab in the final rounds of a draft.