Braves Trim Roster, Option Dylan Dodd and Reassign Top Prospects

Braves make roster moves ahead of Opening Day, sending down several veterans and top pitching prospect JR Ritchie.

Mar. 21, 2026 at 12:11am

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The Atlanta Braves have trimmed their spring training roster, optioning left-handed reliever Dylan Dodd to Triple-A Gwinnett and reassigning top pitching prospect JR Ritchie, catcher Sandy León, utilityman Luke Williams, and outfielders José Azócar and Ben Gamel to their minor league camp.

Why it matters

These roster moves indicate the Braves are prioritizing roster flexibility and giving opportunities to younger players as they finalize their Opening Day roster. Dodd's demotion suggests the Braves are looking at other left-handed bullpen options, while the reassignment of Ritchie means he likely won't break camp with the big league club.

The details

Dodd, who pitched well out of Atlanta's bullpen last season, had an option remaining, making his chances to stick on the Opening Day roster as the third left-hander in the bullpen an uphill battle. The four position players who were reassigned are all big league veterans who have been part of the Braves organization in past seasons, with the exception of Gamel. They all inked minor league deals with Atlanta this offseason and could see time with the big league club at some point in 2026 if they stay with the organization.

  • The Braves made these roster moves on March 21, 2026.

The players

Dylan Dodd

A left-handed reliever who pitched well out of the Braves' bullpen last season.

JR Ritchie

The Braves' top pitching prospect who was reassigned to minor league camp.

Sandy León

A veteran catcher who was reassigned to minor league camp.

Luke Williams

A utilityman who was reassigned to minor league camp.

José Azócar

An outfielder who was reassigned to minor league camp.

Ben Gamel

An outfielder who was reassigned to minor league camp.

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What’s next

The Braves will have to make 10 more transactions to get the big league roster down to 26 players before Opening Day on March 27.

The takeaway

These roster moves indicate the Braves are prioritizing roster flexibility and giving opportunities to younger players as they finalize their Opening Day roster, with top prospect JR Ritchie likely starting the season in the minors.