Mark Bowman of MLB.com reports on the latest cuts at the Braves Spring Training camp in Florida.

The battle for the final two available spots in the Braves bullpen lost a few candidates Sunday morning, when it was revealed that right-hander Jeff Lyman and left-handers Mike Dunn and Mariano Gomez will spend the rest of camp on the Minor League side.

Dunn and Lyman were optioned to Triple-A Gwinnett. Gomez was among four players re-assigned to Minor League camp. The others were catcher Orlando Mercado and outfielders Mitch Jones and Brent Clevlen.

While Dunn showed the strong arm the Braves knew they were getting when they acquired him as part of the deal that sent Javier Vazquez to the Yankees, he also displayed the inconsistent command that has been present since he ended his days as a position player at the conclusion of the 2006 season.

Lyman, who allowed one run and recorded five strikeouts in four innings, also impressed Cox during his first big league camp.

As we move forward, it now appears that the battle for the final two bullpen spots will be waged between Scott Proctor, Jesse Chavez, Craig Kimbrel, Jonny Venters, Jo-Jo Reyes and Manny Acosta.

It still seems optimistic to think that Proctor, who is just 10 1/2 months removed from Tommy John surgery, would be ready by Opening Day. Cox understands that the veteran right-hander wouldn't be available on a regular basis during the early weeks of the season.

But with some scheduled offdays present during this two-week stretch, Cox is still at least keeping this possibility alive.

Assuming that Proctor begins the season on the disabled list, Chavez, Venters and Reyes could be deemed the front-runners in this competition. Kimbrel undoubtedly has the greatest upside and it's obvious that Cox really likes this young flamethower.

But Kimbrel could benefit from a little more Minor League seasoning and the Braves would have reason to be reluctant to open a 40-man roster spot for him with the understanding that he might be sent back down when Proctor is deemed ready.

Chavez has pitched more effectively since struggling in his first two outings and has the experience that he gained while making 73 appearances for the Pirates last year.

Venters or Reyes would team with Eric O'Flaherty to give the Braves two left-handed options during the middle innings.

With the lack of depth in the starting pitching department, it still would seemingly benefit the Braves to have Reyes start the year with Gwinnett and be stretched out in the event that one of Atlanta's starting pitchers goes down with an injury.

While Kris Medlen would be available to make a spot start or fill a vacant rotation spot for an extended stretch, you could argue that his move into a starter's role weakens the depth that could benefit the Braves as they attempt to protect the arms of Billy Wagner, Takashi Saito and Proctor.

Still with Reyes pitching just one inning in his past two outings, it seems the Braves are seriously thinking about having him begin the year in Atlanta's bullpen.

Cox has routinely praised Venters' sinker and history has shown that he likes to have a pitcher (think Kevin Gryboski) like this available to utilize when there's a need to erase a threat with a double-play groundout.
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Source: MLB.com

Jonny Venters
- Photo2 by Tim Evearitt