Bold claim: Four Braves roster chances are effectively doomed before Spring Training even kicks off. And this is the part most people miss: injuries to two key pitchers could create depth opportunities, yet those same injuries don’t magically open a path for these four to crack the Opening Day lineup.
The Atlanta Braves entered the offseason with solid momentum, shoring up their bullpen and bench to address two chronic weaknesses from 2025. But early spring news has tempered that optimism. Both Spencer Schwellenbach and Hurston Waldrep are dealing with elbow injuries that are expected to sideline them for at least a big portion of the first half of the season. Those setbacks alter the calculus for who makes the roster, yet even with the injuries in play, the odds remain long for these four players to break camp with Atlanta.
RHP Carlos Carrasco
Despite current rotation injuries, it’s still hard to envision Carlos Carrasco earning a spot out of spring. His recent big-league track record isn’t favorable. He posted a 7.09 ERA over 11 appearances (nine starts) last season. He did appear in three games for the Braves, but surrendered 15 earned runs in 13.2 innings (9.88 ERA), a stretch so rough the team DFA’d him. The Braves re-signed him on a minor-league deal, but with Bryce Elder, Martin Perez, Jose Suarez, and Didier Fuentes ahead on the depth chart, Carrasco’s path is narrow at best.
OF Ben Gamel
Ben Gamel has spent parts of nine seasons with eight MLB teams, so he’s no stranger to the majors. Still, last year he logged 52 games, all in the minors, and Atlanta already has substantial outfield depth. The projected outfield roster includes Jurickson Profar (LF), Mike Yastrzemski (LF/CF/RF), Michael Harris II (CF), Ronald Acuña Jr. (RF), and Eli White (LF/CF/RF). With those five clearly ahead, where would Gamel fit? Even if he’s the top non-roster invitee, one injury would be needed for him to snag a roster spot, and the Braves would likely prefer a player who can contribute more immediately on the field.
RHP Jhancarlos Lara
Jhancarlos Lara is a compelling prospect who has yet to reach the majors. If he makes the big league jump this season, Opening Day would be a surprising landing. His minor-league track record suggests the possibility, but his command has been a hurdle. In 2025, Lara struck out 104 batters over 68.2 innings between Double-A and Triple-A, a strong strikeout rate (12.0 K/9). However, he walked 65 batters in those innings (8.5 BB/9). Across his minor-league career, he averages about 6.6 BB/9. Even if he shows improved control in a spring glimpse, he’ll need to prove he can consistently throw strikes on a club aiming to win now. If he can harness command, he could become a valuable relief option, but that’s a big if at this stage.
1B Dominic Smith
Dominic Smith recently inked a minor-league deal with the Braves, adding depth at first base. He had a solid 2025 season with the San Francisco Giants and was previously a top Mets prospect, but the odds of sticking with Atlanta are slim. First baseman Matt Olson is one of the game’s best and, crucially, is remarkably durable—Olson hasn’t missed a game since joining the Braves in 2021. Opening Day roster certainty favors Olson, leaving Smith unlikely to crack the roster as a starter. He could theoretically be a DH, but that role would likely belong to Jurickson Profar to begin the year. He could serve as a bench bat, but there’s limited room for a pinch-hitter, and the Braves already have options for that role. Even with a strong spring, Smith’s playing time in Atlanta would be scarce unless multiple injuries opened opportunities.
Bottom line: Even with spring injuries creating some openings, these four players face long odds to land on the Opening Day roster. The Braves’ depth, already abundant in outfield and bullpen, plus Olson’s durability at first base, makes it difficult for Carrasco, Gamel, Lara, and Smith to secure spots right out of camp.
More MLB news and analysis:
