The Atlanta Braves used what appeared to be pretty close to their projected Opening Day lineup (minus Chipper Jones), but manager Bobby Cox also worked in some significant playing time for many of the Braves highly touted prospects in the Braves Spring Training opener versus the Detroit Tigers. Jordan Schafer stole the show with a solo homer in the 7th inning, but he also struck out twice on the day. He started the game in RF and also played LF.
Also appearing for the Braves were:
- Brandon Hicks - SS (0 for 1)
- Clint Sammons - C (1 for 1)
- Freddie Freeman - 1B (1 for 2, 2 RBI)
- Jason Heyward - RF (0 for 2, K)
- Diory Hernandez - 3B (0 for 2, K)
On the mound for the Braves,
Stephen Merek (acquired from the Angels last season in the Mark Teixeira trade) threw a scoreless inning, striking out one batter.
The Detroit Tigers also found some playing time for some of their prospects, including Jeff Larish, a first baseman by trait whose bat they are trying to work into the lineup despite the presence of all-world first baseman Miguel Cabrera. Larish went 0 for 2 with a strikeout taking over for Cabrera midway through the game, and he stranded 4 runners on base. Also appearing for the Tigers were:
- Brent Cleven - RF (0 for 1, BB)
- Casper Wells - LF (1 for 1, RBI)
- Wilkin Ramirez (0 for 1, K)
- Dusty Ryan - C (0 for 1, K)
- Cale Iorg - SS (0 for 1, BB, R)
Kyle Bloom picked up the save for the Tigers, striking out 2 batters in his lone inning of work. Bloom was taken by the Tigers in the Rule 5 draft this year (from the Pirates) and manager Jim Leyland wants to take a good look at the 26-year-old lefty to see if he can stick on the major league roster or if he will have to be sent back to Pittsburgh.
