Braves ready to open Grapefruit League play

Lake Buena Vista, Fla. — After a week of full-squad workouts, the Braves open Grapefruit League play Wednesday, when most of their lineup will make the short bus ride down I-4 to Lakeland to face the Tigers.

“We’ll start [games] quick, but they’re ready,” manager Bobby Cox said of his Braves, who will send starter Jair Jurrjens to face Detroit’s Justin Verlander.

Grapefruit League play begins a few days earlier than usual this season to accommodate next month’s World Baseball Classic.

Jurrjens and left-hander Jo-Jo Reyes are scheduled to pitch two innings apiece for the Braves, followed by relievers Manny Acosta, Stephen Marek and lefties Eric O’Flaherty and Juan Perez.

Third baseman Chipper Jones and just-signed outfielder Garret Anderson are the only projected Braves regulars not penciled in to make the trip.

The Braves’ spring home opener is Thursday against the Astros, with Jorge Campillo scheduled to start and top pitching prospect Tommy Hanson scheduled to make his debut with two relief innings.

Hanson’s first scheduled start is March 3 against Panama’s WBC team.