López, Waldrep to Make Case for Fifth Starter's Job on Saturday

The Atlanta Braves are sending two of their 5th starter candidates to the mound on Saturday

The Atlanta Braves are looking for good news right now. 

Just hours after hearing that star outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr needs a consult with noted surgeon Dr. Neil ElAttrache in Los Angeles for an "irritated" meniscus suffered in a spring training rundown on Thursday, the Braves are undoubtedly hopeful for a clean game today in Dunedin against the Toronto Blue Jays.

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

2B Ozzie Albies
SS Orlando Arcia
C Travis d'Arnaud
LF Jordan Luplow
DH Luis Liberato
RF Eli White
3B Leury Garcia
1B Luke Williams
CF J.P. Martínez

Starting for the Braves is righthander Reynaldo López. Atlanta's premiere offseason free agent signing, López is converting back to starting after several years as a good reliever and battling for the 5th starter's job with 2023 All-Star Bryce Elder. Our roster projections have consistently had him winning the role for flexibility and roster construction reasons, although both pitchers are expected to figure heavily in Atlanta's 2024 plans. 

Following López is the spring training debut of top pitching prospect Hurston Waldrep. A non-roster invitee to camp, we haven't yet seen him debut in a game but Waldrep's received rave reviews from Braves players and coaches for the wickedness of his splitter and his composure, just one year removed from pitching in his junior year of college. 

Here's how the Blue Jays will line up for the contest: 

RF George Springer
1B Vlad Guerrero, Jr.
DH Justin Turner
SS Bo Bichette
C Danny Jansen
CF Kevin Kiermaier
3B Isiah Kiner-Falefa
2B Eduardo Escobar
LF Will Robertson

SP Chris Bassitt

How to Watch the Atlanta Braves on Saturday, March 2nd

Good news everyone! Today's contest is one of the eight that Bally Sports will broadcast from Grapefruit League action. First pitch from Dunedin is scheduled for 1:07 PM ET and will be available to watch on Bally Sports and can be heard on the Atlanta Braves Radio Network. 

Atlanta Braves 2024 Roster Projection 1.5