Atlanta Braves Announce Gwinnett Coaching Staff for 2023
LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. – The Atlanta Braves announced today the Gwinnett Stripers’ coaching staff for the 2023 season. Matt Tuiasosopo returns for his third season as Gwinnett manager, while hitting coach Carlos Mendez, coach Wigberto Nevarez, and assistant athletic trainer Dan Gaertner also return to the staff. New to the Stripers
LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. – The Atlanta Braves announced today the Gwinnett Stripers’ coaching staff for the 2023 season. Matt Tuiasosopo returns for his third season as Gwinnett manager, while hitting coach Carlos Mendez, coach Wigberto Nevarez, and assistant athletic trainer Dan Gaertner also return to the staff. New to the Stripers are pitching coach Craig Bjornson, coach Stevie Wilkerson, head athletic trainer Dan Leja, and strength and conditioning coach Tyler Enns.
Tuiasosopo, 36, enters his fourth season as a minor league manager and fifth year coaching in the Braves organization. He owns a 205-211 (.493) career record, including a 140-137 (.505) mark over two seasons with the Stripers.
The 2022 campaign was a year of major recognition for Tuiasosopo. He served as the third base coach for the National League team during the SiriusXM All-Star Futures Game at Dodger Stadium on July 17. Following the minor league season, he managed the Scottsdale Scorpions in the prestigious Arizona Fall League, a circuit showcasing rising prospect players from all 30 MLB teams.
Tuiasosopo began his managerial career in 2019 with Class-A Rome, earning Atlanta’s Bobby Cox Award for minor league manager of the year. After serving as a coach at the Braves Alternate Training Site in 2020, he was named the seventh manager in Gwinnett history on March 30, 2021. His debut as a Triple-A skipper on May 4, 2021 (a 10-9 win at Charlotte) saw him become both the youngest manager in Gwinnett history and the first former Gwinnett player to manage the club.
Prior to coaching, Tuiasosopo played 14 seasons in the organizations of the Seattle Mariners (2004-11), New York Mets (2012), Detroit Tigers (2013), Toronto Blue Jays (2014), Chicago White Sox (2014-15) and Braves (2016-17). The Bellevue, Washington native saw Major League time in parts of five seasons, logging 155 games with Seattle (2008-10), Detroit (2013), and Atlanta (2016).
Bjornson, 54, joins the Braves organization in 2023 and becomes the seventh pitching coach in Gwinnett history. The Tucson, Arizona native brings a wealth of Major League experience to the Stripers, having served as a bullpen coach with the Houston Astros (2012, 2014-17), Boston Red Sox (2018-20), and New York Mets (2022). He has also spent 13 seasons as a minor league pitching coach in the Montreal Expos, Kansas City Royals, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Colorado Rockies organizations, including stints with Short-A Vermont (1999-01, 2003, 2005), Short-A Spokane (2002), High-A Brevard County (2004), Rookie-level Ogden (2006-08), and Rookie-level Casper (2009-11).
Prior to coaching, Bjornson pitched for three seasons (1991-93) in the Astros minor league system after signing as a non-drafted free agent out of Nicholls State University.
Mendez, 48, enters his third season as Gwinnett’s hitting coach and 16th year in the Braves organization. The Caracas, Venezuela native has spent his entire coaching career in Atlanta’s system, serving as a hitting coach with eight different clubs including Rookie-level Danville (2008-10, 2014), Class-A Rome (2011-12), the Gulf Coast League Braves (2013), Advanced-A Lynchburg (2014), Advanced-A Carolina (2015-16), Advanced-A Florida (2017), Double-A Mississippi (2018-19), and Gwinnett (2021-current).
Prior to coaching, Mendez played 16 minor league seasons (1991-2007) with the Kansas City Royals, Detroit Tigers, Oakland Athletics, Baltimore Orioles, and Braves organizations. He reached the Majors in 2003, playing 26 games for the Orioles.
Nevarez, 31, enters his third season as a coach with Gwinnett and sixth year coaching in the Braves organization. Atlanta’s 20th-round pick out of Lubbock (Texas) Christian University in 2014, Nevarez played a four-year career as a catcher in the Braves’ minors, reaching as high as Advanced-A Florida in 2017. The Santurce, Puerto Rico native went on to coaching positions with the Gulf Coast League Braves (2018) and Class-A Rome (2019) before joining Gwinnett in 2021.
Wilkerson, 31, enters his first season with both Gwinnett and the Braves organization as he makes his professional coaching debut. Selected by Baltimore in the eighth round of the 2014 draft out of Clemson University, he played seven seasons in the Orioles organization from 2014-21, including 166 Major League games from 2018-21. A native of Roswell, Georgia, Wilkerson played baseball at Pope High School in Marietta.
Leja, the new head athletic trainer, and Enns, the new strength and conditioning coach, join Gwinnett after serving identical roles with Double-A Mississippi in 2022. Both enter their third seasons in the Braves organization. Gaertner returns for his second season as Gwinnett’s assistant athletic trainer, his second year in the Braves organization.
Gwinnett Stripers’ Opening Night at Coolray Field is set for Friday, March 31 vs. Jacksonville. Single-game tickets for Opening Weekend (March 31-April 2 vs. Jacksonville) are on sale now at GoStripers.com/tickets.
Stripers in Spring Training Update: March 17
The Atlanta Braves have wrapped up eight more spring training games in addition to the highly anticipated Spring Breakout Game against Detroit. Atlanta came away with just a pair of wins during the week, but many former and potential Stripers got the chance for additional reps. Here’s an overview of
Stripers in Spring Training Update: March 10
The second week of Spring Training saw the Atlanta Braves win just one of six games while tying twice, bringing its overall record to 7-5 in Grapefruit League play. Many former and future Gwinnett Stripers have had the chance to play for the big-league club. Here’s an overview of who’s
Stripers Alums Mejia, Waddell Selected to Braves' Spring Breakout Roster
Major League Baseball announced today the rosters for its 2025 Spring Breakout, the second-annual Spring Training showcase of top prospects from all 30 big-league organizations. The Atlanta Braves' 24-player roster for their March 16 Spring Breakout game includes a pair of Gwinnett Stripers alums, pitcher Ian Mejia and infielder Luke
Gwinnett Stripers Announce 2025 Promotions Schedule
LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. – The Gwinnett Stripers announced today their Promotions Schedule for 2025, the team’s 16th season at Coolray Field. The full calendar of giveaways, fireworks shows, theme nights, special appearances, and weekly promotions awaiting fans can be viewed now at GoStripers.com/promotions. This year’s slate of giveaways is highlighted by
Stripers Unite Braves Country for Coca-Cola® Preseason Party on March 2
LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. – All levels of Braves Country will unite at Coolray Field on Sunday, March 2 as the Gwinnett Stripers host the annual Coca-Cola® Preseason Party. The Stripers will welcome the mascots and promotions teams of the Atlanta Braves, Columbus Clingstones (Double-A), Rome Emperors (High-A), and Augusta GreenJackets (Class-A)
Atlanta Braves Announce Gwinnett Stripers’ 2025 Coaching Staff
LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. – The Atlanta Braves announced today their minor league coaching staffs for the 2025 season. The Gwinnett Stripers will be led by manager Kanekoa Texeira (2nd season), pitching coach Wes McGuire (1st season), bullpen coach Craig Bjornson (2nd season, 1st since 2023), hitting coach Dan DeMent (2nd season),
Gwinnett Stripers Now Hiring Gameday Staff for 2025
LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. – The Gwinnett Stripers are now accepting applications for gameday staff for the 2025 season. Online applications can be submitted now at GoStripers.com/jobs, and an in-person Job Fair is scheduled for Saturday, February 8 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Suite Lounge at Coolray Field. Individuals
Gwinnett Stripers and Chopper the Groundhog Announce Groundhog Day Celebration for February 2
LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. – In honor of Chopper the Groundhog – the only groundhog mascot in professional sports – the Gwinnett Stripers are planning a full and festive day on Sunday, February 2 that includes the launch of single-game ticket sales for the first half of the 2025 season. Chopper will
Gwinnett Stripers, Gray Media Partner for 30-Game Broadcast Schedule on Peachtree Sports Network
LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. – Following the successful launch of a 13-game broadcast schedule in 2024, the Gwinnett Stripers have announced a continuation and expansion of their partnership with Gray Media to air select home games on Peachtree Sports Network (PSN) during the 2025 season. The Stripers, Triple-A affiliate of the Atlanta
Gwinnett Stripers Celebrate Holiday Season with New Holiday Packs
LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. – Just in time for last-minute holiday shoppers, the Gwinnett Stripers have rolled out one of the most affordable options for any sports fan. Put the excitement of live baseball in your stocking with a Stripers Holiday Pack, on sale now through December 31. Each Holiday Pack includes:
Gwinnett Stripers’ Veterans Pack Available November 8-11
LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. – In observance of Veterans Day, the Gwinnett Stripers have announced the return of the Veterans Pack for the 2025 season. Veterans Packs are available to all service members and their dependents and may be purchased online at GoStripers.com. Packs are on sale for a limited time only,
Gwinnett Stripers Partnering with The Salvation Army for Non-Perishable Food Drive During “Flick or Treat” on October 26
LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. – The Gwinnett Stripers, in conjunction with The Salvation Army of Gwinnett County, will be accepting donations of non-perishable food items during the team’s annual “Flick or Treat” event (presented by Century Communities) at Coolray Field from 3-8 p.m. on Saturday, October 26. Attendees are encouraged to bring
Gwinnett Stripers’ Bryce Elder Selected to 2024 International League All-Star Team
LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. – Minor League Baseball™ (MiLB) announced today the league awards and All-Star teams for both Triple-A leagues, the International League and the Pacific Coast League. Gwinnett Stripers right-hander Bryce Elder was selected to the 2024 International League All-Star Team as one of four Starting Pitchers. The 25-year-old Elder
2024 Gwinnett Stripers: Year in Review
The 15th season of Triple-A baseball in Gwinnett County has officially concluded with the Gwinnett Stripers finishing the 2024 campaign with a 72-78 record. Although the Stripers were unable to secure a Triple-A championship, they played an indispensable role for the Atlanta Braves as the parent club navigated a challenging
Stripers Stifled 5-1 in Season Finale at Jacksonville
JACKSONVILLE, Florida – A.J. Smith-Shawver struck out 10 batters over 6.0 innings but also yielded four home runs as the Gwinnett Stripers (72-78) finished the 2024 season with a 5-1 loss to the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp (73-76) on Sunday afternoon at 121 Financial Ballpark. Decisive Plays: Dane Myers hit solo
Four-Run Second Sinks Elder, Stripers in Jacksonville
JACKSONVILLE, Florida – The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp (72-76) struck for four runs on five hits in the second inning against Bryce Elder and rode that frame to a 5-3 win over the Gwinnett Stripers (72-77) on Saturday night at 121 Financial Ballpark. Bennett Hostetler homered and drove in three for
Missed Opportunities Cost Stripers in 3-2 Loss to Jumbo Shrimp
JACKSONVILLE, Florida – Luke Williams homered and Drue Hackenberg tossed 5.2 one-run innings, but the Gwinnett Stripers (72-76) went 2-for-8 with runners in scoring position in a 3-2 loss to the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp (71-76) on Friday night at 121 Financial Ballpark. Jacksonville scored its three runs on a wild
Stripers Ride Six-Run First Inning to 9-4 Triumph in Jacksonville
JACKSONVILLE, Florida – Luis Liberato launched a three-run home run to cap a six-run first inning and Luke Waddell lined a two-run single in the ninth to put the game away as the Gwinnett Stripers (72-75) earned a wire-to-wire 9-4 win over the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp (70-76) on Thursday night
Stripers Lose 7-3 in Jacksonville Despite Anderson’s Quality Start
JACKSONVILLE, Florida – Ian Anderson struck out five over 6.0 one-run innings for the Gwinnett Stripers (71-75) on Wednesday night, but the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp (70-75) scored six runs off the bullpen to win 7-3 at 121 Financial Ballpark. The final series of the year is tied at 1-1. Decisive
Albies Belts Three-Run Homer as Stripers Slip Past Jacksonville
JACKSONVILLE, Florida – Beginning a rehab assignment for the Atlanta Braves on Tuesday, Ozzie Albies went 2-for-3 with a three-run home run to lead the Gwinnett Stripers (71-74) to a 4-3 victory over the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp (69-75) at 121 Financial Ballpark. Decisive Plays: The game remained scoreless until the
Stripers' Offense Reemerges to Back Smith-Shawver's Quality Start in 6-2 Win Over Buffalo
LAWRENCEVILLE, GA. – Atlanta Braves No. 2 prospect AJ Smith-Shawver turned in a sparkling start for the Gwinnett Stripers (35-34) to set the stage for an offensive resurgence to close the curtain on Coolray Field this season with a 6-2 win over the Buffalo Bisons (30-38) on Sunday afternoon at
Stripers' Offense Out of Rhythm Again in 4-1 Loss to Buffalo
LAWRENCEVILLE, GA. – The Gwinnett Stripers (34-34) were once again stymied offensively by the Buffalo Bisons (30-37) in a 4-1 loss on Saturday night at Coolray Field. Gwinnett has lost four-straight games. Decisive Plays: The Stripers scored first on an RBI sacrifice fly by Luke Williams in the third inning.
Offensive Woes Continue in 3-1 Loss to Buffalo
LAWRENCEVILLE, GA. – Bryce Elder opened with 5.0 scoreless innings, but the Gwinnett Stripers (34-33) did not score until the ninth inning in a frustrating 3-1 loss to the Buffalo Bisons (29-37) on Friday night at Coolray Field. Decisive Plays: Buffalo broke through in the sixth inning on an RBI
Home Runs by Baldwin, Martinez Not Enough to Back Hackenberg in 3-2 Loss to Buffalo
LAWRENCEVILLE, GA. – Atlanta Braves' No. 9 prospect Drue Hackenberg turned in his third-straight quality start but received little run support as the Gwinnett Stripers (34-32) only managed solo home runs from Drake Baldwin and J.P. Martinez in a 3-2 to the Buffalo Bisons (28-37) on Thursday night at Coolray
Stripers Run Out of Extra-Inning Magic in 6-3 Loss to Buffalo
LAWRENCEVILLE, GA. – The Gwinnett Stripers (34-31) overcame a 3-1 deficit in the bottom of the 10th inning but were eventually put away after a three-run 11th frame from the Buffalo Bisons (27-37) in a 6-3 loss on Wednesday afternoon at Coolray Field. Decisive Plays: After three scoreless innings opened