ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) – The Atlanta Braves on Sunday optioned infielder Nacho Alvarez Jr. and right-hander Hunter Stratton to Triple-A Gwinnett. In addition, right-handed relief pitcher Javy Guerra and catcher Chadwick Tromp were reassigned to minor league camp.
Before you jump to conclusions regarding Alvarez, it’s important to note that he — along with Guerra and Tromp — will compete in the upcoming World Baseball Classic. Alvarez will represent Team Mexico, Guerra will pitch for Team Panama and Tromp will play for Team Netherlands.
Alvarez was 2-for-12 with four RBIs in five spring training games and opened spring by learning how to play catcher. Given the Braves’ depth, the 22-year-old was likely to begin the season in the minors regardless, and his participation in the WBC likely prompted the club to option him sooner rather than later.
Stratton, however, had allowed six earned runs in 1.1 innings pitched. The 29-year-old had a 2.20 ERA in 16.1 innings for Atlanta last season.
Guerra, 30, allowed five earned runs in 2.2 innings in his three appearances for the Braves this spring. He last appeared in the majors in 2023 and will likely open the season in Triple-A.
Tromp initially appeared to have a path to the Opening Day roster as Drake Baldwin’s backup — with Sean Murphy set to miss the start of the season because of a hip injury — but the signing of Jonah Heim ended those chances. Tromp went 3-for-7 with a home run in three spring games.
The Braves now have 62 active players in camp.
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