Braves planning to go with a four-man bench to begin season – Talking Chop

The Atlanta Braves made a flurry of moves Saturday morning and have set their bench for the Opening Day roster. The team selected the contracts of Pablo Sandoval and Ehire Adrianza earlier this morning and released infielders Jake Lamb and Jason Kipnis.

Brian Snitker confirmed Saturday afternoon that the team will break camp with a four-man bench and that infielder Johan Camargo and catcher William Contreras will be optioned to the alternate site. Snitker also confirmed that Alex Jackson will begin the season as the team’s backup catcher. So the four-man bench will consist of Adrianza, Sandoval, Jackson and Ender Inciarte.

The Braves will carry an extra reliever along with Huascar Ynoa to begin the season and are planning to utilize a bullpen game April 6 or 7 in Washington and are not planning to use a fifth starter until the second time through the rotation.