Armando

Rivero

Rivero, 28, posted a 2.13 ERA, 1.12 WHIP, and 105/35 K/BB ratio in 67 2/3 innings of relief this past summer with Triple-A Iowa. He has a good shot at opening the 2017 season in the Braves’ bullpen.

Per Mark Bowman of MLB.com, this soreness developed during Rivera’s offseason pitching work in Venezuela. The 29-year-old right-hander joined the Braves as the No. 5 pick in the Rule 5 draft this past December, coming over from the the Cubs. In 2016, he pitched to a 2.13 ERA, 1.12 WHIP and 105/35 K/BB ratio across 67 2/3 relief frames at Triple-A Iowa. He has a chance to make the Opening Day bullpen, though this bout of shoulder soreness could throw a wrench into his spring preparation.

Rivero has been nursing a sore shoulder that dates back to winter ball, although he was cleared to play catch this week. The Rule 5 pick is hoping to be cleared to throw off a mound so that he can begin his quest to win an Opening Day roster spot.

The Rule 5 pick never got going this spring. He doesn’t have any structural damage, though, so hopefully it won’t be a long-term issue.

Rivero has been out all season with a strained pitching shoulder. There’s no timetable for the Rule 5 pick’s return.

The Rule 5 pick missed the entirety of the 2017 season due to a strained pitching shoulder. He passed through waivers unclaimed and will continue to work his way back in the minor leagues.

Atlanta selected Rivero with the fifth overall pick in last year’s Rule 5 Draft but the 29-year-old right-hander wound up missing the entire 2017 season because of a strained shoulder. He has good minor league numbers but will likely have to settle for a non-guaranteed contract on the free agent market this winter.