Venters leaves game with elbow sprain

[Moonlight J]

per Mark Bowman, their mlb.com beatwiter. That blows

[Stephen]

They've been handling him very carefully all spring Braves commentators have commented that he doesn't seem like the same pitcher. It's been effecting his command for sure.

Hopefully he didn't damage anything to significantly and he can get right.

[Erik]

I can't say I'm surprised. They've ridden the hell out of him in the past few years.

[joncarlos]

Walden just got back after a late start, didn't he? Who do they have that's reliable behind Kimbrel?

[cavebird]

He hasn't been quite the same for a couple of years now since that season where he was trotted out there 70-75 times.

[cavebird]

Walden just got back after a late start, didn't he? Who do they have that's reliable behind Kimbrel?

O'Flaherty.

[Stephen]

They have a pretty solid bullpen after Kimbrel with Walden, O'Flaherty, Martinez and Beachy will slot into the bullpen when he comes back around June assuming none of the starters get hurt or are terrible.

[overkill94]

Good thing I was the only jackass to shout out $2 after he was brought up last weekend Oh well, I'm assuming this will require a DL stint so at least I can stash him until he gets right.

Would this make Walden next in line? With Kimbrel looking a bit shaky this spring it's fair to wonder if he's okay as well.

[Erik]

Not good.

Jonny Venters (elbow) is scheduled to visit Dr. James Andrews on Wednesday.
That's usually not a good sign. Venters left a Grapefruit League appearance Tuesday afternoon because of a left elbow strain and the Braves now want to find out the exact extent of the damage. The 28-year-old southpaw has made more relief appearances over the past three seasons than any other pitcher in Major League Baseball. And his left arm is paying for it.

[james33]

O'Flaherty.

Would the Braves consider O'Flaherty to be backup closer material or is he just a lefty in the bullpen? He seems to have a good track record of good numbers that won't hurt you as a middle reliever, but because he is a lefty, I've never bothered spending $1 for him.