Greene ramps up work; Braves add catcher

ATLANTA -- Braves manager Brian Snitker is looking forward to adding Shane Greene to his bullpen within the next few weeks. But he hopes the veteran reliever makes all the necessary preparations before being added to Atlanta’s active roster.

“Hopefully, we don’t get rushed into bringing him up here before he gets some [games] under his belt,” Snitker said. “I know he’s itching to go.”

Greene remained a free agent until signing a one-year, $1.5 million deal with the Braves on May 9. The 32-year-old veteran has been working out with team personnel over the past week and is expected to begin appearing in games for Triple-A Gwinnett next week.

With the Gwinnett appearances essentially being his exhibition season, Greene may not be activated until some point in June. He’ll likely pitch in at least six games before being deemed ready.

Offensive upgrade?

Looking to possibly get a little more offense from their backup catcher, the Braves acquired Kevan Smith from the Rays for cash. Smith’s arrival led Atlanta to designate Jeff Mathis for assignment.

Mathis is a highly regarded defensive catcher who has a .551 career OPS. The 38-year-old went 0-for-9 with five strikeouts after being pushed into the backup role when the Braves starting catcher Travis d’Arnaud strained a left thumb ligament on May 1.

Smith’s .704 career OPS suggests he might at least provide a little more offense. The 32-year-old veteran was designated for assignment by the Rays on Sunday.

The Braves are hoping Mathis chooses to remain in the organization after passing through waivers this week.

“Kevan is a guy who doesn’t strike out a lot and he can swing the bat a little bit,” Snitker said.