LAKE BUENA VISTA — With Jonny Venters recovering from a second Tommy John elbow surgery and not expected back until May or June, the Braves will either begin the season with Luis Avilan as their only lefty reliever, or add another from a pool that features rookie Ryan Buchter, non-roster invitee Atahualpa Severino, and Alex Wood if he's not in the starting rotation.
Buchter was added to the 40-man roster after an impressive season at Triple-A Gwinnett, where he had a 2.76 ERA with 103 strikeouts in 62 innings, albeit with 51 walks.
Severino made six appearances for Washington in 2011, totaling 4-2/3 innings with five hits, two runs and seven strikeouts. He had 58 strikeouts with 19 walks in 55 total innings last season for Pirates and Royals Triple-A affiliates, while posting a 3.60 ERA in 39 games (two starts).
Manager Fredi Gonzalez said going with only one lefty is an option in part because right-hander Jordan Walden has been so effective against left-handed hitters throughout his career. He’s limited 349 left-handers to a .198 average and .283 on-base percentage, compared to a .244 average and .316 OBP by 334 right-handed batters.
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