Anthony

Varvaro

Varvaro is recovered from his right pectoral strain but will have to do some proving at the Triple-A level before the Braves give him a crack in the major league bullpen.

Varvaro had an ugly 9.45 ERA and 6/4 K/BB ratio over 6 2/3 innings this spring prior to the injury. He’ll begin the season with Triple-A Gwinnett once he’s back to full health.

Especially with Arodys Vizcaino out, Varvaro was in great position to claim an opening in the Atlanta pen, but he’s thrown it away with a 9.45 ERA this spring. Jairo Asencio and Gory Gearrin look like the favorites to occupy the two vacancies now.

Varvaro failed to retire a batter Friday, allowing three consecutive singles and a walk before leaving the game. No word yet on the severity, but between the injury and his ugly 9.45 ERA this spring, he’s unlikely to make Atlanta’s bullpen.

Varvaro, who began the year on the DL with a right pectoral strain, had a 2.81 ERA and 35/12 K/BB ratio over 25 2/3 innings at the Triple-A level. Cory Gearrin has been sent down to the minors in a corresponding roster move.

Varvaro has posted a 5.40 ERA and 1.50 WHIP in 16 2/3 innings this season out of the Atlanta ‘pen. He should be given another shot in mid-relief later this summer.

If Walden is ready, there won’t be room for both pitchers on the Opening Day roster. Varvaro and Martinez are out of options and likely wouldn’t clear waivers, so the Braves could look to find a trade partner. Martinez, 31, is coming off a 3.91 ERA and 65/19 K/BB ratio over 73 2/3 innings last season. Varvaro hasn’t enjoyed nearly the same success, posting a 4.43 ERA in 34 major league appearances, so he’s more likely to end up elsewhere.

The Braves were nearly forced to make the same decision at the end of spring training, but both began the season in the bullpen after Jonny Venters (elbow) landed on the disabled list. Varvaro hasn’t been as successful as Martinez in the big leagues, so he’s likely the odd man out.

All three pitchers were left off the roster for the NLDS against the Dodgers, but the Braves still want them to get work in. It’s possible they could be an option at some point during the playoffs.

With Craig Kimbrel unavailable after working the previous three days, the 28-year old Varvaro worked two scoreless innings of relief, surrendering just one hit, to protect a one-run lead. With a 3.13 ERA and 1.23 WHIP in 60 1/3 innings, he’s developing into another very dependable option in the Braves bullpen.