A number of slots could change as the Atlanta Braves experiment with their pitching staff during the 2025 season. Some of the team’s younger pitchers will therefore need to be prepared for any opportunities that may arise. However, for two arms in particular, that chance won’t come just yet.
According to the team’s X account, the Braves have optioned right-handers Domingo Gonzalez and Rolddy Munoz to Triple-A Gwinnett. With a few weeks left to complete their 26-man Opening Day roster, Atlanta’s spring training roster presently consists of 46 players.
More time in the minor leagues should help Gonzalez and Munoz hone their skills. Munoz did a little better in spring training, recording a 3.38 ERA in 2 2/3 innings, while Gonzalez recorded a 4.91 ERA and 1.91 WHIP over 3 2/3 innings. Both pitchers, who are 25 and 24 years old, respectively, have the potential to contribute this season at the Major League Baseball level.
Bullpens are inherently volatile, thus possibilities for Gonzalez and Munoz are probably going to present themselves sometime around 2025. Although the Braves will keep an eye on their progress, they are now focused on the group that general manager Alex Anthopoulos has put together in order to contend for a postseason berth.
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 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.
But that might not be required. With Spencer Schwellenbach coming off a solid rookie season (3.35 ERA, 127 strikeouts in 21 starts) with Spencer Strider scheduled to return from elbow surgery, manager Brian Snitker will probably be happy if Sale continues to be a reliable arm and López continues to be productive.
However, pitching depth will be essential once more if things don’t work out. Rolddy Munoz and Domingo Gonzalez may potentially play a role in that. For the time being, they will keep honing their abilities in Gwinnett so they are prepared for any future needs the Braves may have.
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