The wait is almost over. Spring training is near.
Last year, the Braves dealt with awful injury luck. They still made the postseason, but suffered another first-round exit.
In North Port, they will be at full strength — almost. Ronald Acuña Jr. (surgery to repair a torn ACL) and Spencer Strider (elbow surgery) won’t be ready for opening day. Joe Jiménez (knee surgery) will miss most of the season. But the other members of the cast will be ready to go, and Acuña and Strider could return during the early part of the regular season.
The Braves have yet to make an impactful addition this offseason, but it would be surprising if president of baseball operations and general manager Alex Anthopoulos did not strike in a big way at some point between now and the beginning of spring training.
Here are the key dates for the Braves this spring:
Feb. 10: The Braves are scheduled to report to the complex in North Port, Florida.
Feb. 12: Pitchers and catchers will hold their first workout.
Feb. 18: The full squad will work out together for the first time.
Feb. 22: The Braves play their first Grapefruit League game in Fort Myers versus Minnesota.
Many Braves position players have arrived to camp earlier than the report date each of the past two seasons. On Feb. 12, it wouldn’t be surprising to see many position players working out along with the pitchers and catchers.
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