LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- At different points over the past few years, Matt Wisler, Aaron Blair and Lucas Sims were considered one of the Braves' top pitching prospects. But they will each exit Spring Training having to fight to remain relevant within the organization's long-term plans.
Wisler, Blair and Sims were optioned to Triple-A Gwinnett before Saturday afternoon's game against the Yankees at ESPN's Wide World of Sports complex. Each of these right-handers came to camp with the opportunity to begin the season as Atlanta's long reliever.
As the Braves evaluate ways to possibly carry Scott Kazmir until there is a need to have five starters within the rotation, they have remained open to the possibility of beginning the season with two long relievers.