If the Atlanta Braves were looking for a spark to kick off their Grapefruit League campaign, Mike Yastrzemski delivered in style. In his debut with the Braves, Yaz wasted no time making an impact, launching a homer on the very first pitch he faced from Rays pitcher T.J.
Nichols. It was a statement swing that set the tone early, showcasing the kind of power that Braves fans hope to see throughout the season.
But Yastrzemski wasn’t content with just one highlight. He followed up with a sharp single off Kodi Whitley in the third inning and later drew a walk from Joe Rock.
His day at the plate was a perfect blend of power and patience, reaching base three times and playing solid defense. Not a bad way to introduce himself to the Braves faithful.
Yastrzemski wasn’t the only one making noise. Ben Gamel, a seasoned outfielder, also flexed his muscles with a homer to lead off the second inning.
Gamel’s blast off Andrew Wantz added to Atlanta’s early momentum, and he continued to contribute with a two-RBI double to left-center, bringing Yastrzemski home in the process. Together, they accounted for a big chunk of the Braves’ offense, driving in four of the team’s five runs through the first three innings.
On the mound, Atlanta’s pitching staff was equally impressive. Carlos Carrasco set the tone with three strikeouts over two innings, showing command even if his fastball wasn’t overpowering. Dylan Dodd followed with a scoreless inning, his sinker touching 96 mph-a promising sign for the Braves as they look to bolster their rotation.
Hayden Harris faced a bit of adversity in the fourth but navigated through it with poise, escaping a jam with two strikeouts. James Karinchak kept the momentum going in the fifth, striking out two and allowing just one hit. The Rays were kept off the board until the sixth when Logan Davidson homered off Elieser Hernández, but Atlanta’s pitchers were largely in control, racking up 12 strikeouts and issuing just one walk.
As the Braves head into their next game, the energy is palpable. Chris Sale is set to start against the Twins, and if today’s performance is any indication, the Braves are ready to bring the heat. Yastrzemski and Gamel’s efforts are a promising sign of what’s to come, and fans have every reason to be optimistic about the season ahead.