The Atlanta Braves are gearing up for their first spring training game of 2026, with the roster beginning to take shape as Manager Walt Weiss announces key players who will participate. The team is set to face off against the Tampa Bay Rays in Port Charlotte, Florida, and several new additions to the lineup are expected to take to the field.
Among those confirmed to see action are Mike Yastrzemski, Eli White, Jorge Mateo, and Jonah Heim. While Weiss has not finalized the starting lineup, he indicated that Yastrzemski will play left field, and Heim will take on the catching duties. It is presumed that Mateo will slot in at shortstop, while White is likely to be positioned in the outfield.
Notably, highly regarded prospect John Gil will join the team for this game, although he won’t be in the starting lineup. Fans can look forward to his debut during the game, likely entering as a pinch hitter or a defensive substitution later on.
Mark Bowman from MLB.com confirmed that Carlos Carrasco will take the mound as the starting pitcher. Carrasco, who made several starts for the Braves last season due to injuries in the starting rotation, will have the opportunity to showcase his skills once again.
This initial game serves as an excellent preview of how the Braves may look on opening day. The lineup includes several new players, with Yastrzemski signed in December to enhance the outfield depth and take on designated hitter roles, filling the void left by Marcell Ozuna’s departure in free agency. Mateo’s acquisition was a strategic response to Ha-Seong Kim’s recent injury, expected to bolster infield depth behind Mauricio Dubón. Reports indicate Kim is progressing well and slated to return by May.
Jonah Heim’s signing took place right at the beginning of spring training, providing a solid backup for Drake Baldwin as Sean Murphy continues to recover from a hip injury, with his return anticipated around May.
The first pitch for the Braves’ opening spring training game is scheduled for 1:05 p.m. EST on Saturday, marking the beginning of a hopeful season ahead for the team and its fans as they look to build on last year’s successes and integrate new talent into the lineup.