The Atlanta Braves have designated left-handed reliever Jonny Venters and utility infielder Ramiro Pena for assignment, according to the Braves transaction list.
The Braves also added top prospect Jose Peraza to the 40-man roster to most likely protect him from the Rule 5 Draft. I wouldn’t be shocked if Peraza is starting at second on opening day, but I expect him to stay in the minors at least part of next season.
Venters missed the past two seasons, recovering from Tommy John surgery. Venters was an elite setup man for three years for Atlanta. He had a ERA of 2.23 during that span and only gave up nine homers in those three years. The Braves have showed they want to go young and really shake up the organization, so I’m not surprised by the move.
There is still a slim chance he could remain with the Braves organization. They can do one of four things with Venters place him on waivers, trade him, release him, or outright him to the minors.
Ramiro Pena hit .245 with three homers and nine RBIs this season and was a decent hitter coming off the bench, but he wasn’t a game changer. Pena has a quality glove and can play multiple positions.
The Braves have been very busy lately and I expect more moves to happen.
