ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - The Atlanta Braves open Grapefruit League play Saturday against the Tampa Bay Rays at Charlotte Sports Park in Port Charlotte, Florida.
Several veterans are set to play in the game.
Right-hander Carlos Carrasco will start on the mound. Carrasco, 38, has a 6.36 ERA since the start of 2023 and allowed 15 runs in three starts (13.2 innings) for Atlanta last season.
Offseason signings outfielder Mike Yastrzemski, catcher Jonah Heim and infielder Jorge Mateo will play as well, manager Walt Weiss told reporters Friday. Utilityman Eli White will also play.
With the recent injuries to right-handers Spencer Schwellenbach and Hurston Waldrep, Bryce Elder and Joey Wentz are expected to compete for the fifth and final rotation spot. Whoever makes the rotation would join Chris Sale, Spencer Strider, Reynaldo Lopez and Grant Holmes.
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Both Elder and Wentz are out of minor-league options, meaning that whoever doesn’t make the rotation would likely move to the bullpen. The Braves start the season with 13 consecutive game days and could use a six-man rotation including both Elder and Wentz to handle the load.
Next on the pecking order would be Carrasco and Martin Perez, who the team signed to a minor-league deal last month. The Braves would have to make room on the 40-man roster for either pitcher.
Gil to play
Shortstop prospect John Gil will come off the bench during Saturday’s game, Weiss said. Gil slashed .252/.348/.714 across three levels in the Braves’ minor league system in 2025, spending most of the season with Single-A Augusta, where he stole 50 bases.
Gil was the Braves’ No. 13 prospect in 2025 and will likely start 2026 in Double-A. The 19-year-old is drawing comparisons to former Braves infielder Rafael Furcal, who spent six seasons with the club from 2000-05.
Braves spring training on ANF
The Atlanta Braves and Gray Media have unveiled an expanded spring training television package that will bring 15 preseason games to fans throughout Braves Country. The broadcasts will air on Braves on Gray local stations, reaching 26 markets across the Southeast.
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The first of which will be on Sunday, Feb. 22, when the team hosts the Minnesota Twins at CoolToday Park in North Port.
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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