Sean Gilmartin

A competition strictly in name, Gilmartin failed to even push Julio Teheran for the No. 5 starter job last spring and struggled mightily at Triple-A Gwinnett to begin the year (5.74 ERA, 1.59 WHIP). Gilmartin was later diagnosed with elbow tendinitis, which explains his struggles, but he's expected to have no health limitations when spring training opens. The Braves' first-round pick in 2011, he's displayed good control in the minors (2.3 BB/9), and given his pedigree, it's certainly possible he could make a strong bid for a rotation spot in 2014 - especially after he was traded to Minnesota in the offseason.

Gilmartin, the Braves' first-round draft pick in 2011, has advanced through the system extremely quickly and reached Triple-A in just his second professional season. His 3.74 minor league ERA is fine, though his peripheral stats indicate that he does not have the high ceiling of other Braves pitchers. Though his numbers were good in the lower rungs of the minors, his K/9 dropped off to below 6.0 in his seven Triple-A starts. He can find success without big strikeout numbers, and his walk rate has always been good, but low strikeout rates are not something fantasy owners want to see in a top pitching prospect. The bigger issue for Gilmartin is trying to fit in on a team that is already eight deep in their starting rotation. Expect to see Gilmartin pitch a full year at Triple-A in 2013.

Gilmartin, Atlanta's 2011 first-round draft pick, had an impressive professional debut by going 2-1 with a 2.53 ERA and 30:2 K:BB ratio in 21.1 innings for Low-A Rome. He then held his own with a 4.34 ERA and 26:8 K:BB ratio in 29 innings in the Arizona Fall League. The Braves will likely be aggressive with his development since he was seen as a polished product out of college and then had initial success. He should begin the season at High-A Lynchburg and could reach the majors by 2013.