Braves cut 5 players and send them to Triple-A Richmond

ATLANTA - The Atlanta Braves got closer to their opening day roster Friday night by cutting five players and sending them to Triple-A Richmond following a 7-1 loss to the Cleveland Indians.

Manager Bobby Cox indicated he had one more move to make for the Braves to get down to the 25-man limit, a decision he will make on Saturday.

Those sent down were left-handed reliever Jeff Ridgway, catcher Clint Sammons, infielder Brent Lillibridge and outfielders Josh Anderson and Joe Borchard.

``Sammons is close to being back up here. He had a good spring and has improved his hitting a lot,'' said Cox. He hit .235 (4-for-17) this spring.

He was battling for a spot behind starter Brian McCann. It appears that the Braves will keep three catchers to start the season, with non-roster spring invitee Corky Miller and Brayan Pena backing up McCann.

It looks like the only spot left is between pitchers Buddy Carlyle and Jeff Bennett. Carlyle, who was 8-7 with a 5.21 in 22 games, 20 starts, had a 5.40 ERA in 15 innings this spring.

Bennett, who pitched late last season with Atlanta was 2-1 with a 3.46 ERA in 13 innings. He had a 1.93 ERA in 14 innings this spring, didn't allow a run in his last 11 innings.

Gregor Blanco, who hit .341 this spring, won the fourth outfielder job, beating out Anderson, who hit .265.

``It was real close,'' said Cox between Anderson and Blanco.

``I know I can help this club,'' said Anderson. ``I hope I get that opportunity. I'll work hard and see what happens.''

It appears that two starting pitchers John Smoltz and Chuck James will open the season on the 15-day DL. Smoltz is scheduled to pitch Sunday against minor leaguers in Florida and come off the disabled list and start against the New York Mets next weekend. James said he will pitch on Tuesday for Atlanta's Class A team in Rome, Ga.

Earlier Friday, the Braves claimed infielder Ruben Gotay off waivers from the New York Mets and shipped first baseman Scott Thorman to Triple-A Richmond.
Gotay, who batted .295 with four homers and 24 RBIs in 98 games for the Mets last season. He can play second base, shortstop or third.

The Braves needed a backup infielder while Omar Infante recovers from a broken bone in his hand. He will open the season on the DL.

Thorman lost his starting job when Atlanta traded for Mark Teixeira at the end of July last season. He hit only .176 this spring. Out of minor-league options, he cleared waivers before being outrighted to Richmond.