Lake Buena Vista, Fla. — Second baseman Kelly Johnson will hit leadoff and shortstop Yunel Escobar will bat second Wednesday when the Braves play host to the University of Georgia.

It's not clear whether manager Bobby Cox will use one as his regular leadoff man this season, or split the duties between the left-handed hitting Johnson and right-hitting Escobar.

Cox said last week he thought Johnson and Escobar were interchangeable in the first and second spots.

From the leadoff spot in 2007, Johnson hit .268 with 29 extra-base hits and a .372 on-base percentage in 306 at-bats, and Escobar hit .351 with a .400 OBP in 151 at-bats.

Against Georgia, Jones will bat third, first baseman Mark Teixeira fourth and right fielder Jeff Francoeur fifth.

Cox was waiting to finalize the rest of the lineup after he knew if left fielder Matt Diaz would play. Diaz's delivered their second child Tuesday.

If he doesn't play, rookie left fielder Brandon Jones will start alongside center fielder Mark Kotsay and right fielder Jeff Francoeur. Braves regulars will get two or three at-bats before backups and minor leaguers take over.

Catcher Clint Sammons, a former UGA standout, will start Wednesday. Catcher Brian McCann will make the trip Thursday to catch Tim Hudson in the Grapefruit League opener against the Dodgers in Vero Beach, Fla.