Reynaldo López Fights for Fifth Rotation Spot On the Road Against Pirates
The Atlanta Braves have been trimming down the spring training roster over the last few days, reassigning top pitching prospects Hurston Waldrep and AJ Smith-Shawver to AAA Gwinnett.
And one of the remaining candidates for that final rotation spot continues making his case for the job today.
Reynaldo López gets the start for Atlanta as they travel to Bradenton to take on the Pittsburgh Pirates in Grapefruit League action. López has pitched in three outings so far this spring, with a 1.13 ERA in his eight innings. He's struck out seven with two walks; the only run allowed was a solo homer in his first outing from Baltimore Orioles infielder Jordan Westburg.
Here's how the Braves will line up for the contest:
LF Forrest Wall
SS Luis Guillorme
C Sean Murphy
CF Jared Kelenic
DH Eli White
RF Jordan Luplow
3B David Fletcher
1B Luke Williams
2B Andrew Velazquez
Luis Guillorme, who has battled quad soreness this spring, is back in the lineup and playing shortstop. His ability to show the team that he can handle shortstop to finish a game if there's an injury to starter Orlando Arcia has ramifications for the bench configuration; Guillorme being penciled in as the emergency shortstop means that David Fletcher can get everyday playing time in AAA Gwinnett (and potentially moved if there's an injury at the major league level, shedding his salary commitments for the next few seasons.)
Here's how the Pirates will line up at home:
DH Oneil Cruz
LF Bryan Reynolds
3B Ke'Bryan Hayes
CF Jack Suwinski
1B Rowdy Tellez
2B Jared Triolo
RF Billy McKinney
SS Nick Gonzalez
C Jason Delay
Righthanded pitcher Chase Anderson makes his third appearance of spring; he's 1-0 with a 0.00 ERA across his four innings pitched, striking out two.
How to Watch the Atlanta Braves and Pittsburgh Pirates on Tuesday, March 12th
Unfortunately, today's game does not have a broadcast available, but the radio feed can be found on the Atlanta Braves Radio Network. First pitch from LECOM Park in Bradenton is scheduled for 1:05 PM ET.