Braves News World

Despite both returning to the field yesterday after sustaining injuries, Marcus Giles and Johnny Estrada won’t be in the lineup Wednesday. Giles is back in Atlanta having an MRI done on his left knee, which he twisted while trying to beat a force out at second. He is expected to miss at least 3 games. Pete Orr is starting in place of him tonight. Estrada is nursing a bruised right hand after being hit by a foul tip. Eddie Perez will fill in tonight and tomorrow. Estrada is expected to return Friday night. What a way to start they year!?

No, you’re not in the Twilight Zone! Who would have thought that John Smoltz would get bombed for 6 hits and 7 runs (6 earned for an initial ERA of 32.40!) in his Opening Day start? The outing, lasting 1 2/3 innings, tied for the shortest of his career as a starter. Who would have thought that Jorge Sosa, Roman Colon, and Tom Martin would pitch 4+ scoreless innings combined after the dreadful spring the bullpen experienced? Needless to say, Adam Bernero gave up a a couple runs in a couple innings. Hopefully, Cox & Mazzone will think better of that experiment sooner than later. The good news is it only counts as one game no matter how bad a shellacking (9-0) they took. Tomorrow is another game.