The split-squad Braves’ offense scored three runs in the first inning in route to a 3-0 win over the visiting split-squad Astros on Tuesday.
Ronald Acuna, who’s had a quiet spring, walked to begin the bottom of the first. He stole second and scored on Ozzie Albies’ ensuing single. Johan Camargo, who’s done nothing but impress during his bid for the starting third base job, roped a double to right that plated Albies.
Four hitters later, Dansby Swanson – who’s also had a rather subdued spring – singled to left to score Camargo. It was one of those early offensive spurts the Braves became famous for during the 2019 regular season, when they won 97 games and their second consecutive division title.
Those were the only runs the team mustered in its afternoon tilt. The Braves played again later Tuesday evening in Sarasota against the Orioles, with top prospect Ian Anderson getting the start.
Other happenings from Tuesday:
• Mike Soroka wasn't as sharp as he would have liked, but he gutted through four scoreless innings. The Braves' ace and probable opening-day starter navigated an Astros lineup that included regulars George Springer, Michael Brantley, Josh Reddick and Martin Maldonado.
Soroka issued three walks – an irregularity for the usual command artist – but allowed only one hit, which was Springer’s single to open the afternoon. He retired eight consecutive Astros before walking Springer and Brantley back-to-back. The former was caught stealing to end the third.
“It was an interesting outing,” Soroka said. “I tried to get after it a little too hard in the second and third inning. I was wanting it a little too bad sometimes. … We were really good at making adjustments. (Catcher Travis) d’Arnaud kept calling (the change-up) because he knew we had to keep throwing it. I felt like once I got into the fourth, things loosened up and started to flow again. I felt more athletic.”
While the Braves won’t make an official announcement until later this month, Soroka is aligned to be their opening-day starter March 26 at Arizona. He’ll have two more exhibition starts before the appearances count.
“You’re always going to think of those possibilities when you’re envisioning things for the future,” Soroka said of potentially starting the first game. “You always put yourself in people’s shoes when you’re watching TV or whatever. You like to think that’s going to be you out there one day. So I’ve thought about that lots. That opportunity would be amazing, to go out there and be loose and relaxed and let it fly.”
• Camargo is hitting .320 this spring. He and competitor Austin Riley are neck-and-neck in the third-base competition. Camargo is still generally viewed as the favorite, but Riley's power and decreased strikeout rate are giving him a legitimate shot to take the position. However it unfolds, the Braves have a welcomed conundrum and a difficult decision looming.
“They’ve both done really well,” Snitker said. “Austin has done everything expected. Camargo has had a really good spring. That’s going to be a tough one in how we handle that. I’m trying not to think about it now so I don’t drive myself crazy. I’ll wait until the last couple days to do it and get it all out then.
“It’s going to be tough but it’s going to be a good thing. Both guys came into camp ready to go and they’ve done just that. They’ve played very well. All things being equal, one guy isn’t going to be real happy with the decision.”
• Reliever Chris Martin tossed his third scoreless inning by retiring the Astros 1-2-3 in the eighth. Martin was delayed at the beginning of spring, with the Braves taking a conservative approach as he worked his way back from an oblique injury that prematurely ended his 2019 season in Game 1 of the National League Division Series.
“It’s what I remember,” Snitker said of Martin thus far. “It’s like he was before he got hurt in the playoffs. If he stays healthy, he’s as good as it gets.”
• It's worth noting that Acuna reached base twice. He was 2-for-24 entering the day, but walked and singled by the third inning Tuesday. He and the Braves aren't concerned about his slow start.
• And yes, for those curious, the Astros – busted for a sign-stealing scandal that rocked the baseball landscape – were booed and taunted throughout the afternoon. It was their first and only trip to CoolToday Park. The Braves will host the Astros in their final series of the regular season, Sept. 25-27.
• The Braves travel to Fort Myers on Wednesday to face the Twins – and perhaps old friend Josh Donaldson. Max Fried will start the game, with pitchers Josh Tomlin and Will Smith also set to appear. Acuna, Albies, Marcell Ozuna and Adam Duvall are among the position players scheduled to make the trip an hour south.
