The Atlanta Braves hit the road to Viera to face the Washington Nationals at 1:05. Shockingly, the game is on MLB Network. I say shockingly because I'm surprised a TV crew would travel to Viera.
Braves Lineup:
1. Martin Prado, LF
2. Jordan Schafer, CF
3. Chipper Jones, 3B
4. Dan Uggla, 2B
5. Jason Heyward, RF
6. Alex Gonzalez, SS
7. Freddie Freeman, 1B
8. David Ross, C
9. Tommy Hanson, SP
Braves Pitchers: Tommy Hanson, Jonny Venters, Cristhian Martinez, Jairo Asencio, Arodys Vizcaino. Also making the trip is Jose Ortegano, Lee Hyde and Michael Broadway.
Nationals Lineup:
1. Nyjer Morgan, CF
2. Ian Desmond, SS
3. Jayson Werth, RF
4. Rick Ankiel, DH
5. Wilson Ramos, C
6. Laynce Nix, LF
7. Danny Espinosa, 2B
8. Michael Aubrey, 1B
9. Alex Cora, 3B
Ross Detwiler, SP
Apparently one team can DH and the other not. I didn't know that. Detwiler is a lefty, so it would have been nice to have Nate McLouth getting the start in center. Otherwise, the only non-regular is Ross behind the plate. It looks like we may get a second appearance from Vizcaino, who blew hitters away with a great two innings the other day. Also, keep an eye on Martinez and Asencio as they continue to pitch for a spot.
Heyward is returning to the lineup after a couple days off for a sore groin. If it was the regular season, he said he would have played Saturday, but no reason to push it right now. Chipper is in the lineup as the third baseman for the second straight day, and he reported a pain-free knee yesterday.
Look for my first Spring Training review/team meter tonight, recapping the performances thus far and noting who has had their stock increase or decrease.