Atlanta Braves
Atlanta Braves

Braves roll out regulars for Friday night

Joshua Adam Donaldson was born Dec. 8, 1985 in Pensacola, Fla. Donaldson’s nickname is “Bringer of Rain” Donaldson was drafted by the Cubs with the 48th pick of the 2007 draft and traded to Oakland the next year. Donaldson's MLB debut came April 30, 2010, with Oakland at Toronto. The next day Donaldson’s first hit was a two-run homer off Dana Eveland of Toronto. Donaldson was a catcher for his first 10 games, but he settled in at third base. Donaldson was the American League MVP in 2015, when he led the
By
March 8, 2019

The Braves started an all-regular players lineup for the first time this spring against the Phillies in a Grapefruit League game Friday night.

Ender Inciarte got the nod at leadoff, with Ronald Acuna hitting cleanup behind Freddie Freeman.

Nick Markakis, last year’s usual fourth hitter, was slotted fifth. He was followed by Ozzie Albies, Tyler Flowers, Dansby Swanson and Adam Duvall, who was plugged in as the designated hitter.

It also marked the debut of third baseman Josh Donaldson, the team’s most significant offseason addition, hitting second.

Kevin Gausman was set to make his first start of spring. The right-hander was slowed by shoulder soreness the past few weeks, but is expected to be ready for the regular season.

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Gabriel Burns is a general assignment reporter and features writer for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. After four years on the Braves beat, he's expanded his horizons and covers all sports. You'll find him writing about MLB, NFL, NBA, college football and other Atlanta-centric happenings.

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