It’s been written about and discussed at great length, now it’s time for the Braves’ dynamic new outfield to see some action.
Jason Heyward and the Upton brothers, newcomers B.J. and Justin, will be in the lineup Friday when the Braves face Detroit in a Grapefruit League opener at Champion Stadium.
“After a certain amount of time you want to see somebody with a different color uniform,” manager Fredi Gonzalez said. “These guys are ready to go. We’re still going to get our work in, but let’s go play some games.”
The 1:05 p.m. game will not be televised, so the thousands in attendance will be the only ones who’ll see the Uptons get their first two or three at-bats as Braves, albeit spring-training at-bats that don’t count for much. The game will be carried on local radio on 1230 and 1340 AM in Atlanta.
The Braves will start right-hander Tim Hudson and use their regular-season projected lineup with the exception of Brian McCann, who is recovering from October shoulder surgery and isn’t expected to play until mid-April. Hudson is expected to pitch two innings, and All-Star closer Craig Kimbrel is among the planned relievers for Atlanta.
Right-hander Rick Porcello will start for Detroit. Braves backup catcher Gerald Laird, signed as a free agent this winter, will start against the team he played for last year, the American League champion Tigers.
Shortstop Andrelton Simmons will bat in his new leadoff position for Atlanta in his only game before he leaves for Taiwan on Saturday to join the Netherlands team for its training camp and pool play in the World Baseball Classic. He’ll be gone at least 2-1/2 weeks.
Simmons will be followed in the Braves’ lineup by right fielder Heyward, left fielder Justin Upton, first baseman Freddie Freeman batting cleanup, and center fielder B.J. Upton. Second baseman Dan Uggla will hit sixth, followed by third baseman Juan Francisco, Laird, and designated hitter Blake DeWitt.
Gonzalez said the starters would get two or three at-bats and be replaced by Ramiro Pena (shortstop), Jordan Parraz (right field), Todd Cunningham (left field), Ernesto Mejia (first base), Jordan Schafer (center field), Tyler Pastornicky (second base), Chris Johnson (third base), Matt Pagnozzi (catcher) and Evan Gattis (designated hitter).
The Braves have another home game Saturday against the Yankees, then travel to Bradenton on Sunday to play the Pirates. Paul Maholm will start against the Yankees and Julio Teheran against the Pirates, followed by two more home games with Kris Medlen facing the Marlins on Monday and Mike Minor facing the Nationals on Tuesday.
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