Rejoice, Braves fans! We FINALLY have a lineup graphic to talk about once again. It's been over four months since Atlanta last played a baseball game, and they'll begin their Grapefruit League play with a road contest against the Minnesota Twins.
As expected, not many regulars are making the trip to Fort Meyers, but the Braves' 2025 debut lineup does features plenty of names to keep an eye on. Some intriguing prospects, a couple locks for the 26-man roster, and some NRI's fill out the lineup for Atlanta.
Braves announce debut lineup for spring training affair versus Twins
The first is an outfielder very much in a prove it year in 2025. Jarred Kelenic will lead things off and play right field for Atlanta. While Kelenic doesn't figure to leadoff much once the regular season begins, he is expected to man right field the majority of the time while Ronald Acuña Jr. recovers to begin the season.
Following Kelenic will be Nick Allen, the utility infielder acquired from the A's this winter. Allen will play shortstop and figure to get a lot of at-bats this spring as he battles for a bench spot on the Major League roster. The only true starter in this lineup will bat third in the form of Sean Murphy. Atlanta's primary backstop is looking to bounce back after an injury-filled and subpar 2024 season.
Non-roster invite and former Marlin Garrett Cooper will bat cleanup as he looks to impress other teams this spring and land a Major League gig. Batting fifth as the Braves' DH just might be the most interesting name you'll see on this lineup card: Drake Baldwin. He is the Braves' top-ranked prospect by many publications, and someone who has gotten rave reviews from everyone within the organization.
Utility man Luke Williams will play second base and bat sixth. He will battle the likes of Allen and Rule-5 pick Christian Cairo for the backup infielder job. Atlanta rounds out the lineup with left fielder Connor Capel and centerfielder Carlos Rodrigurez.
On the mound will be reigning NL Cy Young award winner Chris Sale. It's reported that Sale is expected to throw two innings in his debut today. It's also why Murphy is the only regular to make the trip today as it's important to get as many reps as possible this spring for the Braves' expected Opening Day battery combo.