Braves Make More Roster Moves as Spring Training Progresses

Atlanta continues to shape its Opening Day roster ahead of the new season.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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The Atlanta Braves have made several roster moves as they get closer to Opening Day, optioning left-hander Jhancarlos Lara to Triple-A and reassigning right-handed pitcher Austin Pope and infielders Jim Jarvis, Alex Lodise, and Luke Waddell to minor league camp. The team currently has 54 players in major league spring training as they look to finalize their roster.

Why it matters

The Braves are working to replace suspended outfielder Jurickson Profar and determine which players will make the Opening Day roster. These moves provide insight into the team's depth and development pipeline as they aim to return to the playoffs.

The details

The Braves optioned left-hander Jhancarlos Lara, who is ranked as the team's No. 21 prospect, to Triple-A after he struggled with consistency and command in 2025. They also reassigned right-handed pitcher Austin Pope and infielders Jim Jarvis, Alex Lodise, and Luke Waddell to minor league camp. Lodise is the Braves' fourth-best prospect, while Jarvis and Waddell are looking to make an impact at the Triple-A level.

  • The roster moves were announced on Thursday, March 5, 2026.

The players

Jhancarlos Lara

A left-handed pitcher who is ranked as the Braves' No. 21 overall prospect.

Austin Pope

A right-handed pitcher in the Braves' minor league system.

Jim Jarvis

An infielder in the Braves' minor league system who hit .249 with two home runs, 39 RBIs, and 14 stolen bases in 2025.

Alex Lodise

An infielder who is ranked as the Braves' fourth-best prospect and hit .252 with a home run, nine RBIs, and two stolen bases in Single-A in 2025.

Luke Waddell

An infielder in the Braves' minor league system who hit .263 with a home run, 31 RBIs, and five stolen bases in 2025.

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What’s next

The Braves will continue to evaluate their roster and make additional moves as they finalize their team for Opening Day.

The takeaway

The Braves' roster moves highlight the team's depth and commitment to developing their minor league talent as they look to return to the playoffs in 2026.