After making the team as a nonroster invitee to spring training, the veteran first baseman and outfielder is finding success as the Braves’ primary designated hitter.

Team heads to Anaheim after four-game split in Phoenix.

The 35-year-old left-hander, signed to a minor-league contract in January, last pitched Tuesday in relief.

The Atlanta right-hander struck out eight in seven innings, but Arizona’s bullpen pitched four hitless innings to prevent a Braves rally.

Starters and relievers have fueled a strong opening stretch for the Atlanta Braves, posting league-leading numbers and multiple shutouts.

Strong pitching and late power carried the Atlanta Braves past the Arizona Diamondbacks as Ozzie Albies and Matt Olson homer in the ninth to seal a 2-0 victory.

What's going on with the Braves as opening day approaches March 27.

The Braves scored eight times in the fifth inning on their way to a 17-2 win over the Diamondbacks.

Braves manager Walt Weiss said Thursday that pitcher Spencer Strider will throw a bullpen session on Friday as he makes his way back from an oblique injury.

The Braves, with no days off until April 9, have started 4-2 ahead of a seven-game West Coast road trip. Quality starts have led to limited bullpen usage for Atlanta so far.