Ben

Gamel

Dodd has the most big league experience of the bunch and should get an opportunity at some point during the 2026 season, but he’s not the biggest surprise in this group. That honor goes to JR Ritchie, who posted a stellar 2.25 ERA, 0.58 WHIP and a 14/5 K/BB ratio over 12 innings during Grapefruit League action. Given the injuries in the Braves’ rotation, it’s mildly shocking that he didn’t head north with the big league club.

Gamel seemed like a decent bet to claim the roster spot on the Braves opened up by the Jurickson Profar suspension after he homered in four of his first six games this spring, but he’s 0-for-10 with seven strikeouts in his last three appearances. That’s good news for Dominic Smith, who would seem to be the alternative to open up as a DH against righties. Of course, the Braves still could pick up a bat at the end of the spring and render the current competition moot.

Gamel and Dominic Smith are the Braves’ in-house options to fill in for Jurickson Profar against right-handers. Smith has the better track record of late and is also having a nice spring — he went 3-for-4 today — but Gamel is probably just as reasonable of a bet. He had two hard-hit balls besides the 106-mph homer today.

Gamel split his 2025 season between the Tigers’ and Angels’ organizations where he slashed a healthy .281/.402/.539 with 10 homers, 26 RBI, two swipes and a 58/33 K/BB ratio over 214 plate appearances mostly at the Triple-A level. Given his strong defensive chops, there’s a chance that he could push for a reserve spot on the Braves’ Opening Day roster with a strong showing during Grapefruit League action.

Gamel bolsters Los Angeles’ outfield depth at Triple-A Salt Lake after being cut loose a couple weeks ago by the Tigers. The 33-year-old journeyman outfielder hasn’t appeared in the big leagues this season, but he’s gotten into a whopping 723 contests dating back to 2016.

Gamel has been on the injured list since April 25. The 33-year-old signed on just before the start of the season to a minor-league contract, but now will be looking for a new home.

Gamel was released by the Astros Saturday, and he finds a new home shortly after. He’ll likely head to Triple-A Toledo, and a good showing there could give him a chance to help Detroit off the bench this spring.

Astros manager Joe Espada said Saturday that Luis Guillorme and Miguel Castro have been told they won’t make Houston’s season-opening roster, but they’re presumably sticking around at Triple-A Sugar Land. It’s undoubtedly a positive development for both Brendan Rodgers and top prospect Cam Smith that two likely bench options aren’t making the club’s Opening Day roster.

Gamel has been sidelined since Thursday because of back spasms, and the team has called the injury “nothing concerning.” Gamel stands a good chance of beginning the 2025 season with the Astros assuming good health and a decent showing in Florida over the final three-plus weeks.

Astros manager Joe Espada told reporters Saturday that Trammell has a right calf strain and is expected to be out “a while.” The 27-year-old former top prospect now faces an uphill battle to make the Houston roster, and Ben Gamel is likely the “beneficiary” of the injury with a much stronger chance of joining the Astros out of Florida.