ATLANTA -- The Braves have optioned right-handed pitcher Brandon Cunniff to Triple-A Gwinnett and added outfielder Joe Benson to the list of non-roster invitees with two days remaining in spring training.
The 27-year-old Benson signed with the Braves as a minor league free agent in January. He is hitting .250 with one homer -- off Philadelphia's Cole Hamels on Wednesday -- and two RBIs in nine spring training games in his surprising bid for a bench spot. He opened spring training with the Braves' minor leaguers.
Benson hit .239 in 21 games for the Minnesota Twins in 2011.