Braves Today

Lineup, how to watch Braves vs Pirates in spring training

Spencer Strider gets his final tune-up of Grapefruit League action against the Pirates at home in North Port

Lindsay Crosby

As we come up to the end of spring training for the Atlanta Braves, they host the Pirates from nearby Bradenton in Grapefruit League action. 

Here's how Atlanta will line up in the contest: 

It's another lineup of mostly regulars, with the only real difference being veteran utilityman Ehire Adrianza getting the start at SS in place of Orlando Arcia. 

Adrianza's defense was one of the primary reasons Atlanta elected to option both Vaughn Grissom and Braden Shewmake to AAA Gwinnett - as a vested veteran, Adrianza could have refused a minor-league assignment and almost assuredly would have been picked up by another club. Starting both Grissom and Shewmake in AAA allowed Atlanta to keep Adrianza as valuable depth. The Braves started six different players at second base due to injuries to Ozzie Albies, so that veteran experience is valuable. 

Eddie Rosario, who has missed the last two days with back tightness, returns to the lineup as the DH, batting eighth. It gives expected DH Marcell Ozuna a chance to play the field and show off his improved arm strength, finally beginning to return after he specifically focused on strengthening the shoulder that was surgically repaired in 2018. If Ozuna is able to take some innings in the outfield, that frees up the DH spot for whichever catcher of Sean Murphy and Travis d'Arnaud is not starting that day. 

Starting for the Braves on the mound is Spencer Strider - the NL Rookie of the Year runner-up in 2022 (to teammate Michael Harris II) was a revelation in 2022, finishing the year with 202 strikeouts in only 131.2 innings, setting the high-water mark for starting pitcher strikeouts per nine innings at 13.8. He signed an 6-year, $75M contract in the offseason with a 2029 club option that will keep him with the Braves through his age 30 season if exercised. 

Here's how the Pirates will counter Strider today:

Today's game starts at 1:05 EDT and is available on Bally Sports South across Braves Country as well as MLB.com (where it can be watched for free). The radio call with Ben Ingram is available in the Atlanta market on WCNN 680/93.7 as well as across Braves Country on the Atlanta Braves Radio Network and online at MLB.com. 

Related Braves Stories

Atlanta Braves' long-term plan for Braden Shewmake

Outfield competition creates great depth for Atlanta Braves

Ian Anderson is down but not out

Atlanta Braves 26-man roster projection

Michael Soroka optioned to AAA Gwinnett

Engage with Braves Today on Socials!

Follow Braves Today on Twitter!

Like Braves Today on Facebook!

Check out the homepage for more Atlanta Braves News!

Published
Lindsay Crosby
LINDSAY CROSBY

Managing Editor for Braves Today and the 2023 IBWAA Prospects/Minors Writer of the Year. You can reach him at contact@bravestoday.com

Home/News