For Atlanta Braves fans, the long wait for actual baseball to watch is nearly over as the spring training schedule opens up this weekend. We know that Chris Sale is going to be the first man up on the mound, but fans should probably expect the everyday players to get limited action early as they build up. This, of course, means more opportunities to see prospects and fringe roster contenders in action.
With the Braves about to start playing in preparation for the 2025 season, here is a look at the latest goings on with Atlanta through the early portions of camp.
Braves News: Ian Anderson's first live bullpen went quite well
Given that the Braves did not add a starting pitcher this offseason like many expected, Atlanta is going to need at least one of their internal rotation options to emerge down in camp. One of the names to keep an eye on for the Braves' rotation, especially early in the 2025 season, is an old friend trying to complete his comeback in Ian Anderson.
Ian Anderson's 4-seamer was 92-93 mph as he just threw his first live BP of the year. Not bad for February. 4-seamer averaged 94.6 in 2021, before the arm issues began the following year.
— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) February 19, 2025
Despite it being early in camp when guys tend to take it easy, Anderson is already throwing about as hard as he was before he underwent Tommy John surgery in 2023. Ultimately, how opposing hitters who are actively trying to beat him perform against Anderson will be the true test, but his first live bullpen of 2025 was a great start to his bid to win his old job in the Braves' rotation back.
Braves News: Daytona 500 winner William Byron to visit Truist Park
The Braves generally do a great job putting on events/spectacles to keep fans engaged. While the team unfortunately cancelled Braves Fest this year due to construction and preparations for the upcoming All-Star Game, it does seem that they are still trying to find ways to get people to come out to Truist Park beyond games themselves.
On Friday, February 21, Daytona 500 winner William Byron is making an appearance at Truist over at the Braves Clubhouse Store. Even if NASCAR isn't your thing, the 2021 World Series trophy is making making a public appearance for fans to take photos with and that is always fun.
Braves Country: Start your engines and come to @TruistPark to get your photo taken with 2025 @DAYTONA 500 winner @WilliamByron, the Harley J. Earl DAYTONA 500 trophy AND the 2021 World Series trophy!
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) February 19, 2025
🏁 Friday, Feb. 21
🏁 4 - 5pm
🏁 Braves Clubhouse Store pic.twitter.com/CzinNHobkP
Braves News: Angel Perdomo is turning heads down at spring training
Alex Anthopoulos recently said that of all of the team's losses this offseason, the only one that they were not able to directly address was the injured Joe Jimenez. While there were (and still are) relief arms available that could have filled the void, the Braves have so far opted to not make a significant bullpen addition and the presence of Angel Perdomo may be one reason why.
The Braves claimed Perdomo off waivers last offseason after he had Tommy John surgery and have had to wait a calendar year to see if that decision would pay off. So far, the 6'8 lefty with big-time strikeout stuff has impressed down at camp and is firmly in the running for a 2025 bullpen spot. Nothing is certain until we actually see Perdomo against live competition, but don't be surprised if he ends up being the impact relief addition that fans had been hoping to see this offseason.