The Atlanta Braves continue the month-long grind of spring training this week as the club entered the second full week of exhibition games.
Former Atlanta Brave third baseman Martín Prado is back in a Braves’ uniform, but the club is not looking to bring him back on the diamond. Free agent signee Cole Hamels is showing signs of progress after the left-hander suffered an offseason setback, and King Félix is making his case for a rotation spot.
Prado back with the Braves
Former Atlanta Braves’ third baseman Martín Prado made an appearance at Braves camp on Tuesday. The retired major-leaguer is one of the vastly popular former Braves still around the game today, and Braves fans and personnel would love to see the 2010 All-Star with the club in some capacity.
General manager Brian Snitker has stayed in close contact with Prado, who announced his retirement this past winter. Upon announcing his retirement, Snitker kept in close contact with the utility-man, who spent his last five major league seasons with the Marlins, expressing how much he wanted Prado to have a role with the Braves.
Hamels progressing after offseason setback
Free agent signee Cole Hamels has not yet been cleared to throw, but the 14-year veteran has shown signs of progress during his rehab from shoulder inflammation, according to his doctor back home in Dallas.
Hamels spent year No. 14 in the bigs with the Chicago Cubs last season. The southpaw posted a 3.81 ERA across 27 starts in 2019, adding 143 strikeouts.
The 36-year old has not reported to Braves camp and will most likely not join the major league rotation until May. His absence at the beginning of the 2020 campaign opens up another spot in the Braves’ rotation.
King Félix making his case
Hamels injury will open a rotation spot, and the 33-year old Félix Hernández is making a case to fill said opening through his first three starts this spring.
Hernández made his third start on Tuesday in a game against the Tampa Bay Rays. The right-hander lasted four innings, scattering four hits, walking two and striking out one while giving up one earned run. The veteran righty was relieved by Chris Martin, who made his spring debut on Tuesday. The big reliever struck out all three batters he faced in his lone inning of work.
King Félix has a 2.08 ERA through three outings and has allowed seven hits, two runs and three walks to go along with eight strikeouts in 8.2 innings of work. The colorful Hernández chatted with The Athletic’s David O’Brien to discuss his move from the American League to the National League and joining the Atlanta pitching staff.
#Braves' King on reinventing himself: "Yeah, man. I had to get out of the American League, go to the National League, see something different. (Laughs.)… The velo’s not there, but I’ve got other weapons.”
On no longer being w/ Mariners: “I think the red looks good on me.”
— David O'Brien (@DOBrienATL) March 3, 2020
The Atlanta Braves will travel to LECOM Park in Bradenton, Fla. to face the Pittsburgh Pirates on Wednesday for a 1:05 start. The Pirates (2-8) and the Braves (3-8) are the bottom two teams in the Grapefruit League standings.