The Atlanta Braves are splitting things up today, traveling to Viera to face the Washington Nationals at 1:05 while the rest stay home at Lake Buena Vista to face the Toronto Blue Jays at 1:05.
Braves Lineup vs. Nationals:
1. Martin Prado, 3B
2. Nate McLouth, CF
3. Freddie Freeman, 1B
4. Brian McCann, C
5. Wilkin Ramirez, DH
6. Jordan Schafer, CF
7. Brooks Conrad, 2B
8. Diory Hernandez, SS
9. Matt Young, LF
Brandon Beachy, SP
Pitchers: Brandon Beachy, Craig Kimbrel, Juan Abreu, Brett Oberholtzer
Braves Lineup vs. Blue Jays:
1. Mycal Jones, CF
2. Alex Gonzalez, SS
3. Chipper Jones, DH
4. Dan Uggla, 2B
5. Todd Cunningham, LF
6. Joe Mather, 1B
7. David Ross, C
8. Brent Clevlen, RF
9. Brandon Hicks, 3B
Mike Minor, SP
Pitchers: Mike Minor, George Sherrill, Rodrigo Lopez, Scott Linebrink, Peter Moylan, Eric O'Flaherty
Today is the second round of potential No. 5 starters getting their innings. Beachy and Minor are both starting, while Lopez will be at home in relief. We will get our second looks at Sherrill and Linebrink at home. The intriguing young arms will be Viera.
The fun part about split squad games is prospects coming over from minor league camp as extras or fill-ins. Outfield prospect Cunningham is getting the start at home, which won't be happening much at all this spring, so be sure to follow him. Jones, who is actually on the big-league roster this spring and has had several at bats, is getting his first start in center and leading off. The fact that he has yet to see the infield this spring seems to be a pretty good indication of the Braves' plans for him.
Edward Salcedo, a top five prospect for me and top 15 for most, will be on the bench at Disney. Several lesser prospects will join him. On the road to Viera is Matt Lipka, Cory Harrilchak and Adam Milligan, all in my top 30, especially Lipka, the first-rounder from last year.
Before I forget, Cunningham is actually getting the start because Eric Hinske was scratched. Still waiting word on what happened, but it doesn't seem to be anything serious.
Chipper is back at DH after getting his first start at third yesterday. He said he's sore but the knee is holding up well, and he hopes to be back at third possibly tomorrow.
Jason Heyward is being held out for a second straight day after suffering a sore groin. He hit in the cage and things seem to be fine, but he doesn't want to push it. He might be back tomorrow.
(Notes courtesy of Carroll Rogers at the AJC)