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Home , Arizona Diamondbacks, Austin Riley, Chris Johnson (baseball), Matt Marksberry, Randall Delgado, Steve Avery (baseball)

Braves Clippings Friday, August 14, 2015 Braves.com

Trades pave way for Braves to compete in future

By Mark Bowman / MLB.com | @mlbbowman | August 13th, 2015

ATLANTA -- The Braves entered this year facing the prospect of paying and Melvin Upton Jr. $69.85 million to essentially serve as backups until their contracts expired after the 2017 season. Six months later, both players have new employers, and more than two-thirds of that cost has either been erased or allocated in a manner to more appropriately fit Atlanta's immediate needs.

President of operations John Hart and assistant general manager John Coppolella gained praise from their peers when they transformed the farm system from one of baseball's worst to one of its best via the offseason trades of , and Evan Gattis. But through their diligence and creativity, the Braves might have equally impacted the club's future by managing to find ways to move the contracts of Johnson and Upton.

"From the start, we have tried to add as many high-upside players as we could and clear as much future payroll flexibility as possible," Coppolella said. "Our goal is to create an organization that is capable of going to the every year."

Accounting for Upton's trade to the Padres in April and Friday's trade that sent Johnson to the Indians in exchange for and , the cost that had been targeted for Upton and Johnson has been reduced to approximately $26 million (which accounts for the salary Johnson earned this year in Atlanta, Bourn's $14 million salary in 2016 and the $15 million Cleveland provided to essentially offset Swisher's salary next season).

Though the Braves assumed an additional $6.5 million in payroll for the 2016 season (the difference in the salaries owed to Bourn and Johnson), they have now freed themselves from all of the $25.45 million they had been obligated to pay Upton and Johnson in '17, which the club has targeted as a year it hopes to create memories that extend beyond the opening of its new , SunTrust Park.

Over the next couple of seasons, the Braves will get a greater feel for the value they received when they had to include in the deal that sent Upton to the Padres on April 5. In exchange for Kimbrel, the Braves freed themselves of the $46.5 million owed to Upton and also gained three current assets: outfielder Cameron Maybin, right-hander and the 41st pick in this year's Draft, which netted them Austin Riley, an 18-year-old third baseman who is the team's No. 16-ranked prospect and has already drawn rave reviews from many of Atlanta's executives.

"Creatively and with some pain, I think we have been able to provide ourselves a level of flexibility with a different type of player," Hart said.

Like the Kimbrel-Upton trade, the Braves had to take a chance on Swisher's surgically repaired knees to rid itself of the approximate $19.5 million still owed to Johnson, whose long-term future in Atlanta was sealed long before the Braves acquired their next third baseman, Hector Olivera, from the Dodgers in a three-team deal on July 30.

There are legitimate questions about the on-field productivity Bourn and Swisher can provide, but the Braves believe they have now at least allocated their costs more wisely by replacing Johnson with two high-energy, well-respected veterans who better fit the team's current needs.

"This is not the deal you're doing in some circumstances, some clubs wouldn't do a deal like this," Hart said. "But for us, with the players that we have, our needs and the economics, I think this was the right type of deal."

Atlanta Journal-Constitution

With Peraza gone, Braves bank on Peterson

By Michael Cunningham - The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

The Braves parted with touted infield prospect Jose Peraza because they wanted Hector Olivera and didn’t think Peraza is ready to be a big league player now.

They also traded Peraza to the Dodgers two weeks ago because they had Jace Peterson at second base.

The reasoning may seem contradictory because Peterson’s offensive production in his first full big-league season doesn’t make it obvious he’s ready, either. But the Braves look beyond the numbers and see a 25-year old rookie whose defense already is above average and who has the potential to be a good major-league hitter.

“His first half was outstanding, he really played well,” Braves VP of baseball operations John Hart said. “He’s struggled a little bit (since then) which is not unusual (for a rookie). I love his defense. I like the fact that he puts good at-bats up there. And I like his makeup. This is a tough kid that likes to play.

“He’s still a young player. It’s not like he’s a finished product by any means. This is a good, solid baseball player that can help you on both sides of the ball.”

As things stand now, the Braves are looking at Peterson to play second base next year and into the future. Peraza was their top infield prospect in the high minors and , just 18-years old, still is a few years away from the big leagues.

Peterson said he wasn’t aware that Hart cited his potential as one reason the Braves were willing to part with Peraza. He said he’s not taking anything for granted.

“Anytime the organization has something to say about you, it makes you feel good,” Peterson said. “But it’s a funny business and anything can happen. You can’t relax. You’ve got to keep pushing and working and getting better. That’s what I’m about, and that’s what I’m going to do.”

Peterson’s defensive skills are obvious. During spring training, Braves shortstop expressed surprise at how advanced Peterson was defensively, and the two have since combined to form sharp duo in the middle infield.

Watching Peterson play second, it’s clear to see why he was a three-sport star in Lake Charles, Louisiana.

“And he’s getting better and better,” Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez said. “That takes just reps and time.”

Peterson isn’t as advanced at the plate, which makes sense with his background.

Peterson didn’t play baseball full time until the Padres selected him in the first round of the 2011 draft out of McNeese State. Peterson was playing high Single-A ball in 2013 and played in just 86 games at the Double-A and Triple-A levels before the Padres called him up for 27 games last year.

The Braves acquired Peterson in a December trade and he’s been their regular second baseman for most of the season. After a slow start at the plate, he had an excellent stretch from mid-May through June in which he hit .297 with a .381 on-base percentage over 45 games.

That was followed by a prolonged dip in his numbers, with periodic spikes since. Peterson now is batting .244 with a .321 on-base percentage.

“When you are going bad, you are trying to do too much, you press, chase, and expand your zone,” he said. “That’s when you get in trouble.”

But even with the decline in his production, there are signs that Peterson has the potential to be a solid hitter.

Peterson has struck out in 19.5 percent of his plate appearances, which according to FanGraphs is a bit better than league average. Peterson has walked on 9.6 percent of his plate appearances, which is above average. His .301 average on balls in play also is about average for the league.

It’s a good sign for Peterson that he’s made good contact and shown solid plate discipline in his first full season. Those are especially good traits for a player who projects as a lead-off hitter in the Braves’ evolving small-ball approach to offense.

Peterson is relatively old by prospect standards but Hart said Peterson’s late focus on baseball compared to his peers means he could have more room to grow.

“I think he has a chance as he gets a little more experience that there’s more in there, for sure offensively,” Hart said. “Defensively, I’m very satisfied with what I’ve seen from him. I think he can really help you at second base. And he plays the game the right way, with a real energy that you like to see.”

Braves: We will exit Turner Field by ….

The news clears way for deal on Turner Field’s future

By Katie Leslie and J. Scott Trubey - The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

It’s official: The will exit Turner Field by Dec. 31, 2016.

In a letter to Mayor , the team confirmed this week that it won’t exercise its lease extension option — a move that signals confidence the Braves will begin the 2017 season at SunTrust Park in Cobb County.

But the notice also marks a pivotal moment for The Ted as its future has been a subject of debate since the team announced plans to build a $672 million stadium outside the city limits.

Reed has long said having a departure date is a key component of brokering a new deal for the 77-acre site. With a firm exit date now in hand, local leaders and the Atlanta Fulton County Recreation Authority could soon begin negotiations with potential buyers.

“Receiving this notice is an essential element to clearing the path for the city, the authority and Fulton County to collaboratively move forward with a new vision for Turner Field and the continued revitalization of the stadium neighborhoods,” Reed said in a statement.

The news is sure to delight eager developers who eye the land as prime real estate in Atlanta’s re-emerging downtown market, but bring angst to many residents who have asked for city leaders to hold off on a deal until the completion of a community study next year.

Reed has said myriad business interests have approached his office about acquiring Turner Field. Most recently, spurred by news that MGM Resorts International is exploring building a $1 billion casino complex near Centennial Olympic Park, as many as four gambling companies have called Reed to inquire about buying Turner Field, pending changes in state laws, he said.

The plan that has received the most attention — and Reed’s support — involves State University and Atlanta-based real estate firm Carter. That team went public in 2014 with proposal to build a $300 million sports and mixed-use development that would expand the university’s campus, a plan that hasn’t moved forward without a Braves’ exit date.

Scott Taylor, president of Carter, welcomed the news.

“Hopefully, this will now allow the AFCRA to proceed with a competitive disposition process so a collaborative planning effort can truly begin,” Taylor said.

But residents like Kimberly Jones, of Summerhill, hope that process includes the community.

Reed has developed somewhat of a reputation as a go-it-alone mayor at the helm of major Atlanta real estate deals, including the construction of the $1.4 billion Atlanta Falcons stadium, the sale of Fort McPherson land to filmmaker Tyler Perry and the sale of Underground Atlanta to a South Carolina developer.

Though Reed has thrown his support behind a Turner Field-related community study funded by the Atlanta Regional Commission, he’s also said it shouldn’t hold up development.

“I’m just praying that they do the right thing … and really engage our communities in this process and care about us enough to let us have a voice and a say,” said Jones, part of the Turner Field Community Benefits Coalition.

Developers and many local government leaders are likely to want to move quickly with the sale. Empty create a vacuum and do not age well. And Turner Field could cost the authority as much as $5 million in annual maintenance costs, according to its executive director, Keisha Lance Bottoms, also an Atlanta council member.

The authority will pursue a competitive bidding process for the sale of Turner Field, she said. But it’s still unclear exactly whether the Atlanta City Council and the Fulton County Commission have final say on the issue, though Reed has said the decision rests with the authority alone.

The board of the authority — which maintains and operates Turner Field, Philips Arena and other sites — tips in Reed’s favor, with six Atlanta representatives and three from Fulton.

The Braves, for their part, said in a statement Thursday that the team will play some part in The Ted’s future.

“While we still have plenty of games to win before the end of the 2016 season, we want nothing but the best for the surrounding neighborhoods and will continue to cooperate with city and county officials and our community partners as they consider what comes next.”

Strike out bullying with Braves

By Jill Vejnoska - The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

The Atlanta Braves may be 10 games out of first place in their division, but they’re helping lead the way when it comes to anti-bullying efforts.

In a public service announcement distributed to 100 metro Atlanta schools, popular players like and stress the importance of “striking out” bullying by confiding in a trusted teacher or coach. “You should know you’re not alone,” says catcher AJ Pierzynski.

That message will be emphatically underscored on Friday at Turner Field, right before the Braves take on the Diamondbacks. Starting at 5:40 p.m., Fan Plaza will be the site of “Going to Bat,” an anti-bullying rally that’s a team effort by the Braves, the North Fulton Rotary Club and Up With People.Along with screening the PSA and highlighting anti-bullying efforts, there’ll be two performances by Up With People, a global education organization which aims to bring the world together through service and music.

“The goal of the evening is to show that even though people are from other cultures and parts of the world, we can all unite as one,” said Braves community affairs coordinator Kathryn Bennett.

A second anti-bullying rally will take place on Sept. 10th, prior to the home game against the . It will also feature a special appearance by former Braves outfielder . In addition to serving as a pre-game analyst on “Braves Live” on FSNSouth and SportsSouth now, Jordan is the author of three children’s books, including “Time Out for Bullies.” The first 250 kids who preregister will receive copies of the book.

That second event is being put on in conjunction with the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), the Braves’s partner in an ongoing “No Place for Hate” anti-bullying campaign. The PSA is part of that effort; if you can’t make it out to Fan Plaza Friday, you can check out the video here on the “Braves Strike Out Bullying” page on the team’s web site (it’s also your last chance to see Chris Johnson , who was traded to the last week, in a Braves uniform). You can purchase game tickets on the web site as well. The Fan Plaza rallies are open to anyone with a ticket to the game.

“We are consistently trying to make (the anti-bullying efforts) a bigger thing,” said Bennett, adding that Friday’s is the first rally being done with organizations other than the ADL. “The good news is, each year, it’s snowballing.”

Braves total recall: Steve Avery

By I.J. Rosenberg - For the AJC

For Steve Avery, the 1995 postseason was nothing like 1991. In the worst-to-first season, the left-hander turned in two of the most dominant pitching performances in October history, coming against the in the Championship Series.

But during the world championship ’95 season, Avery had struggled, going 7-13 with a 4.67 ERA and it appeared he would not start in the World Series against Cleveland.

Then came one of manager ’s best postseason decisions ever, demonstrating the ultimate loyalty he always had for his players.

Up 2-1 in the series, the prevailing thought was that Cox would go with Game 1 starter Greg on three days’ rest. But Cox turned to Avery and he rewarded the skipper by going six innings in Cleveland and allowing just one run on three hits in the 5-2 win. The start kept Maddux, and well rested for the rest of the series, which would end in six games on Glavine’s brilliant performance back in Atlanta.

Avery, 45 was back in town along with his entire family last weekend for the 20th anniversary of that title team. He will never forget Cox giving him the ball against what was at the time baseball’s best offensive lineup.

Q: You have said many times how much it meant to you to pitch in the ’95 Series. Why do you think Cox penciled you in?

A: That’s the way Bobby was. He always believed in you, no matter how poorly you did at times. I wanted to pitch, but in that situation I would have understood if he would have skipped over me. But that’s one of the big reasons why his players played so hard for him and why he is in the Hall of Fame.

Q: What do you remember about your performance at Jacobs Field that night?

A: It was cold but where I was from (Michigan), I was used to that. I knew their lineup was tough but I knew I couldn’t worry about it and just go out and relax and pitch. I remember getting in a little trouble in the first inning but I was able to get out of it. After that, I found a pretty good grove.

Q: When the Braves clinched the title in Game 6, you were in the bullpen in case they needed you to pitch in relief. What do you remember about the last out? A: It was a pretty long run to the pile from the bullpen. I remember getting there and just thinking it was finally over. We had finally won it all. We did quite a lot to get to that point and it will always be the most satisfying moment I had in baseball. We were at the top.

Braves’ upcoming opponent: About the Diamondbacks

By Carroll Rogers Walton - The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Braves’ opponent:

Keep an eye on: . The Diamondbacks’ is leading the majors with a .341 batting average and tied for second in the majors behind Josh Donaldson with 83 RBIs. The three-time All-Star finished second in the NL MVP voting in 2013 to Pittsburgh’s Andrew McCutchen. Could this be his year? He came a shy of the cycle on Wednesday and just got himself out of his first extended slump of the season (3-for-27) by going 7-for-11 over his past four games.

Who’s hot: is 11-for-15 with eight RBIs in his past four games, including his first career five-hit game Sunday against the and a Tuesday against the Phillies.

Who’s not: , former Braves farmhand, is just 2-for-his-past-19 (.105) and is hitting .222 on the season as Arizona’s starting shortstop.

Braves connection: Former Brave began a minor league rehabilitation assignment this week as he makes his way back from a sprained ankle. He is 4-3 with a 2.79 ERA in 41 appearances out of the Diamondbacks’ bullpen this season.

In the news: Newly-inducted Hall of Famer had his No. 51 jersey retired by the Diamondbacks last weekend at . Johnson won his only World Series with the Diamondbacks in 2001, which included an NLCS victory over the Braves.

Series preview: Braves vs. Diamondbacks

By Carroll Rogers Walton - The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

NEXT: VS. ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS

Friday

Time: 7:35 p.m.

TV: FSSO

Probable starting : Braves RH Julio Teheran (7-6, 4.57 ERA) vs. LH (3-7, 3.13)

Comment: Teheran brings momentum from defeating Jose Fernandez and the Marlins in his last start and winning for the first time on the road since in his previous start, in Philadelphia. Teheran has had more success against left-handed batters since moving to the first-base side of the rubber. For the season, lefties are hitting .295 against him and righties .243. The Diamondbacks have lost four of Ray’s past five starts while he’s gone 0-3 with a 4.88 ERA.

Saturday

Time: 7:10 p.m.

TV: FSSO

Probable starting pitchers: Braves RH (4-3, 5.23) vs. LH (2-3, 4.08 ERA)

Comment: Four walks drove his up, but Foltynewicz won his previous start, Saturday night against the Marlins 7-2, after giving up only two runs in 5 2/3 innings. He hasn’t pitched past six innings since May 29 in San Francisco, when he went 6 2/3 innings and 7 2/3 innings the start before, against Milwaukee. Corbin is making his eighth start back in his return from Tommy John surgery. He’s had quality starts in three of his past four outings. The exception was Aug. 4 in Washington, when he lasted only 1 1/3 innings, giving up three runs, six hits and two walks.

Sunday

Time: 1:35 p.m.

TV: FSSO Probable starting pitchers: Braves RH Shelby Miller (5-9, 2.48) vs. RH (10-5, 4.55 ERA)

Comment: De La Rosa has twice as many wins as Miller with an ERA nearly twice as high. That’s the kind of season it’s been for Miller, who ranks seventh in the National League in ERA. His majors’ low 2.54 runs of support per game is the primary source of his problem. According to Elias, Miller is the second in the live-ball era (since 1920) to go winless for 15 starts with an ERA as low as his. Craig Swan was the other in 1978, the year he won the NL ERA title. The Diamondbacks have won De La Rosa’s past five starts, while he has gone 4-0 with a 2.81 ERA.

UPCOMING

Monday: at Padres, 10:10 p.m.

Tuesday: at Padres, 3;40 p.m.

Wednesday: at Padres, 3:40 p.m.

Thursday: at Cubs, 8:05 p.m.

Friday: at Cubs, 4:05 p.m.

Friday’s game: Braves vs. Diamondbacks

By Carroll Rogers Walton - The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Where: Turner Field

When: 7:35 p.m.

TV/Radio: FSSO/680, 93.7, 106.7

Probable starting pitchers: Braves RH Julio Teheran (7-6, 4.57 ERA) vs. LH Robbie Ray (3-7, 3.13)

What’s new: The Braves lost two of three against the Diamondbacks in Arizona on June 1-3, losing a pair of one-run games 7-6 and 9-8. The Braves are 21-16 in one-run games for the season. This series, they’ll face two D-backs left-handers. The Braves are 8-12 against left-handed starters this season (4-4 at home) and 43-51 against right-handed starters. The Braves traded three of their best four hitters against left-handed pitching this season: Chris Johnson (.323), (.306) and (.292). Nick Markakis is the best remaining among Braves everyday players with a .283 average against left-handers.

Fox Sports

Braves prospect Olivera hitless in two at-bats in first rehab game

FOX Sports

Highly touted Cuban prospect Hector Olivera went 0-for-2 Thursday in his first rehab game with the Atlanta Braves' Gulf Coast League affiliate.

Olivera started at third base and batted leadoff, flying out in each of his two at-bats before leaving the game in the bottom of the fourth inning. He also handled both ground balls hit at him, starting an inning-ending on the latter one.

Olivera, who has been out with a hamstring injury, was the key acquisition for the Braves in the three-team, 13-player blockbuster deal at the trade deadline. The had signed the 30-year-old Olivera to a six-year, $62 million pact in the offseason that included a $28 signing bonus.

Braves first baseman , sidelined since Aug. 3 with a strained right oblique, also played in his first rehab game and went hitless with a pair of in three at-bats.

The Marietta Daily Journal

Braves’ final day at Turner: Dec.31, 2016; Ballclub gives notice to city of Atlanta

By Ricky Leroux

ATLANTA — The Atlanta Braves have told the city of Atlanta that the ballclub will be moved out of Turner Field by Dec. 31, 2016, according to an announcement from Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed’s office on Thursday.

In a letter dated Aug. 11, the Braves gave “formal, written notice” to Reed and the Atlanta Fulton County Recreation Authority, which manages Turner Field, the ballclub does not intend to extend its lease on its current home, according to a statement from Reed’s office.

The formal notice comes as construction is well underway on SunTrust Park, the Braves new, $672 million stadium in Cumberland. The Braves plan to start playing at the new ballpark in spring 2017.

“The Braves and our fans have enjoyed many wonderful seasons at Turner Field, and we intend to continue our tradition of excellence at SunTrust Park. While we still have plenty of games to win before the end of the 2016 season, we want nothing but the best for the surrounding neighborhoods and will continue to cooperate with city and county officials and our community partners as they consider what comes next,” the team said in a statement provided by Beth Marshall, Braves spokesperson.

The formal notice will allow the city to begin working on redeveloping the Turner Field property, Reed said.

“Securing the right redevelopment partner for Turner Field will provide substantial benefits to surrounding neighborhoods, including long-term job creation and business expansion,” Reed said. “I look forward to working with all stakeholders to ensure a successful transition.”

Creative Loafing Atlanta

Atlanta Braves to vacate Turner Field before 2017

By Sean Keenan on Thu, Aug 13, 2015 at 3:05 PM

The Atlanta Braves told Mayor Kasim Reed on Tuesday that the team will be out of Turner Field by Dec. 31, 2016 — or possibly earlier.

In a statement released today by Reed's office, the mayor says the team has informed the Atlanta Fulton County Recreation Authority, the entity that oversees Turner Field, that it will not extend its lease agreement.

The team, which is currently building its new home in Cobb County, did have the right to extend its lease of the ballpark for another five-year term.

So what comes next for Turner Field and the surrounding neighborhoods?

Georgia State University and private developers have partnered to propose plopping down student housing, athletics facilities, and retail on the site and its mammoth surface parking area. And Reed has said that casino gambling interests have expressed an interest in the property as well. Before the Braves pack up their mitts and bats, proposals will likely pour in from additional developers — and neighbors will want to have a say.

Reed says he expects a "new vision" will aid in the "continued revitalization of the stadium neighborhoods."

"Securing the right redevelopment partner for Turner Field will provide substantial benefits to surrounding neighborhoods including long-term job creation and business expansion," Reed says. "I look forward to working with all stakeholders to ensure a successful transition.”

Associated Press

Diamondbacks-Braves Preview

By SCOTT GARBARINI (STATS Writer)

The Arizona Diamondbacks had no trouble producing runs in their last series. History says they may have a more difficult time in their next game.

Arizona enters Friday night's matchup with the Atlanta Braves at Turner Field after scoring 32 runs in taking two of three from Philadelphia. The Diamondbacks had at least 15 hits in each game and homered six times over the first two while batting .403 for the series. "They can really swing it," said Phillies pitcher Aaron Nola, who beat the Diamondbacks 7-6 on Wednesday. "The whole stadium knew they were going to come out swinging. They have a lot of guys in that lineup that have done a lot of damage."

That lineup is getting contributions in addition to star first baseman Paul Goldschmidt, who finished a home run shy of the cycle Wednesday to raise his MLB-best average to .341. David Peralta is 11 for 15 with eight RBIs over his last four games, is 8 for 14 in his past five and A.J. Pollock went 8 for 15 with six runs in the series.

Arizona (56-57) has won 12 of 18 as it begins a 10-game road trip, though success has been sporadic in prior meetings with Atlanta starter Julio Teheran (7-6, 4.57 ERA).

Teheran has yielded two runs or less each time in going 2-1 with a 2.35 ERA in four starts against the Diamondbacks, winning the last two. He pitched six shutout innings at Turner Field in 2013 and allowed two runs in seven last season in Phoenix.

Goldschmidt is 0 for 9 with four strikeouts against Teheran and Hill 1 for 6. Peralta, limited to pinch-hitting duties Wednesday by a strained quadriceps, is 2 for 3 off the right-hander.

Teheran is 2-2 over his last seven outings but posted five quality starts. He shut out Miami through six innings Aug. 7 before permitting three runs in the seventh and leaving with a no decision.

Teheran also has been tough at Turner Field, where he's 5-1 with a 2.52 ERA in 11 starts.

The spiraling Braves (51-63) return home following consecutive losses to Tampa Bay and are an MLB-worst 9-21 since July 8. Atlanta enters this three-game set off Wednesday's 9-6 defeat in which the Rays scored six seventh-inning runs off rookie relievers and Ryan Kelly.

''It's a box of chocolates sometimes when you have inexperienced guys in the bullpen,'' manager Fredi Gonzalez said. ''Sometimes you don't make a play and give those guys an opportunity to get back in the game, and sometimes the inexperience shows.''

Atlanta gets its first look at Robbie Ray (3-7, 3.13) as the rookie tries to stop a tough stretch of his own. After posting a 2.16 ERA over his first eight starts, the left-hander has gone 0-3 with a 4.88 ERA in his last five.

Ray failed to go beyond five innings in three of four starts before allowing three runs on a pair of homers through six of Saturday's 4-1 defeat to Cincinnati.

Peralta is expected to be back in the lineup along with Yasmany Tomas, who sat out Wednesday with left calf tightness.

The Diamondbacks won two of three from visiting Atlanta from June 1-3 but have dropped 11 of 13 at Turner Field.

Atlanta Braves Notify City Of Turner Field Departure Date

ATLANTA (AP) -- Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed says the Atlanta Braves will vacate Turner Field in by the end of 2016.

Reed said in a statement on Thursday that the team notified him it would leave the field by Dec. 31, 2016 in a letter with Tuesday's date.

The Braves announced in November 2013 that they would relocate to a new stadium in suburban Cobb County. The stadium, SunTrust Park, is scheduled to open in 2017.

Reed says the notice allows the city, county and the Fulton County Recreation Authority to move forward. City officials have made several announcements about potential buyers, including and a team of developers' proposal for a mixed-use complex.