The Atlanta Braves may experiment with their pitching staff throughout the 2025 season, leaving several spots subject to change. As a result, some of the team’s younger pitchers will need to stay ready for potential opportunities. However, for two arms in particular, that chance won’t come just yet.
The Braves have optioned right-handers Domingo Gonzalez and Rolddy Munoz to Triple-A Gwinnett, according to the team’s X account. With this move, Atlanta’s spring training roster is now down to 46 players, with a few weeks remaining to finalize their 26-man Opening Day roster.
Gonzalez and Munoz should benefit from additional time in the minors to refine their skills. Gonzalez posted a 4.91 ERA and 1.91 WHIP over 3 2/3 innings in spring training, while Munoz performed slightly better, registering a 3.38 ERA in 2 2/3 innings. At 25 and 24 years old, respectively, both pitchers could still make an impact at the MLB level this season.
Given the natural volatility of bullpens, Gonzalez and Munoz are likely to receive opportunities at some point in 2025. The Braves will continue monitoring their progress, but for now, their focus remains on the roster general manager Alex Anthopoulos has assembled to compete for a playoff spot.
Braves prepare for what could be another tight race to October
The National League is shaping up to be as grueling as ever, and the NL East, in particular, looks especially daunting. The Philadelphia Phillies are determined to bounce back after their early playoff exit in 2024, the New York Mets are riding the momentum of their NLCS run with the addition of Juan Soto, and the young Washington Nationals could prove to be a tough competitor.
For the Braves, navigating the path to October won’t be easy, especially given their recent injury concerns. They barely secured a postseason spot last year, even with Chris Sale exceeding expectations by winning the NL Cy Young and the NL pitching triple crown. Reynaldo López also outperformed his track record, posting a stellar 1.99 ERA over 26 games. Banking on both pitchers replicating those performances in 2025 seems like a long shot.
However, that may not be necessary. If Sale remains a dependable arm and López continues to be effective, manager Brian Snitker will likely be content—especially with Spencer Strider expected to return from elbow surgery and Spencer Schwellenbach coming off a strong rookie season (3.35 ERA, 127 strikeouts in 21 starts).
Still, if things don’t go according to plan, pitching depth will be crucial once again. That’s where Domingo Gonzalez and Rolddy Munoz could eventually factor in. For now, they’ll continue refining their skills in Gwinnett, staying ready for when the Braves might need them.
