ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) – The Atlanta Braves are well underway into spring training, and Atlanta News First will broadcast four games this week— beginning Tuesday with a home matchup against the Detroit Tigers and concluding Friday against the New York Yankees.
Reynaldo López will take the mound for Atlanta on Tuesday for the first time since March 28. The 32-year-old made just one start last season before undergoing arthroscopic right-shoulder surgery.
Now fully healthy, López reported to camp in strong form, and manager Walt Weiss has already penciled him into the Opening Day rotation. An All-Star in 2024, López has consistently sat at 93–94 mph this spring, a promising sign as he ramps up for the regular season.
On Wednesday, Paul Skenes will make his spring debut for the Pittsburgh Pirates against Atlanta at CoolToday Park. Skenes is coming off a dominant campaign in which he posted a 1.97 ERA across 32 starts (187.2 innings), earning the 2024 NL Cy Young Award. He is also slated to pitch for Team USA in the upcoming World Baseball Classic.
INJURY REPORT: Braves will begin season without starters Schwellenbach and Waldrep
Competition in camp remains tight. The primary battles center on the final bench spot, the last opening in the rotation and the remaining bullpen roles.
Three of the four bench spots appear to be claimed by infielder Jorge Mateo, catcher Jonah Heim and utilityman Eli White. Kyle Farmer, Ben Gamel and Dominic Smith are among the candidates vying for the final spot.
Meanwhile, Bryce Elder and Joey Wentz appear to be the leading contenders for the last rotation slot.
Here’s a look at the schedule and pitching matchups for the upcoming slate of games.
Thursday, 1:05 p.m. at New York Yankees – TBD vs. TBD
HOW TO WATCH BRAVES ON GRAY
The Braves and Gray Media announced an expanded spring training broadcast offering, bringing 15 spring training games to fans across Braves Country through Braves on Gray local television stations, reaching 26 markets throughout the Southeast.
For broadcast times, channel information and additional details, fans are encouraged to click here and check local Gray Media station listings in their markets.
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