Orioles vs. Braves Lineups Today in Sarasota Spring Training

This piece takes a close look at a spring training matchup between the Baltimore Orioles and Atlanta Braves in Sarasota. Lineup choices, World Baseball Classic preparations, and the mix of prospects and veterans all come into play.

Spring Training Showdown in Sarasota

The Orioles and Braves met under bright Sarasota skies, both making some interesting lineup moves ahead of the World Baseball Classic. Gunnar Henderson and Tyler O’Neill led off for Baltimore before heading out—Henderson to Team USA, O’Neill to Team Canada.

Adley Rutschman handled catching duties, but the team planned to rotate in Samuel Basallo as a backup for Sunday’s Fort Myers game. They wanted to ease Rutschman’s workload a bit.

On the infield, Pete Alonso played first base and Ryan Mountcastle took the DH spot. Leody Taveras started in center field, Coby Mayo at third, and Jeremiah Jackson batted second while playing second base.

Kyle Bradish made his second spring start, hoping to show more after a so-so outing in Lakeland. He was looking to find his rhythm early this spring.

Lineup Spotlight: Henderson, O’Neill, and Rutschman

Baltimore built the top of its order around speed, power, and on-base skills. It’s a blend of established names and young talent.

Basallo’s Sunday assignment behind the plate shows the Orioles are thinking hard about their catching depth as WBC rosters take shape. Here’s how Baltimore lined up for this one:

• Gunnar Henderson — shortstop
• Tyler O’Neill — right field
• Adley Rutschman — catcher
• Pete Alonso — first base
• Ryan Mountcastle — designated hitter
• Leody Taveras — center field
• Coby Mayo — third base
• Jeremiah Jackson — second base (batting second)

Basallo catching on Sunday in Fort Myers hints at Baltimore’s plan to keep Rutschman fresh. They’re also trying to get a good read on Basallo’s readiness for tougher competition.

Bradish vs. Strider: The Spring Start Showdown

Kyle Bradish returned to the mound for his second spring outing. He wanted to sharpen his command after giving up two runs and three hits over two innings against Detroit.

He started with a sharp 10-pitch first inning and touched 95.8 mph on his sinker. That’s a good sign for his health and stuff as he aims for a strong spring.

Spencer Strider started for Atlanta, coming back from elbow surgery. He posted a 4.45 ERA in 23 starts last year, but his electric fastball is still the heart of Atlanta’s rotation.

This matchup gave both teams an early look at where their starters stand. Atlanta’s lineup mixed defense up the middle with some power bats in the core.

The Braves rolled out this nine-man set:

• Brett Wisely — second base
• Mauricio Dubón — shortstop
• Eli White — center field
• DaShawn Keirsey — right field
• Kyle Farmer — third base
• Luke Waddell — designated hitter
• Chadwick Tromp — catcher
• Tristin English — first base
• José Azocar — left field

The Sarasota game let Bradish test his stuff and gave Atlanta a chance to measure Strider’s post-surgery velocity and command. Both clubs are still stacking their depth charts as camp rolls on toward March and the heart of spring competition.

In Memoriam and Context

Beyond the on-field action, the piece touches on the quiet histories that surround a club’s season. It briefly remembers Monica Barlow, the former Orioles public relations director.

She died in 2014 from stage 4 lung cancer. Her legacy still lingers in the memories of the organization and its fans as the team heads into a new era of spring development and international competition.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Orioles and Braves lineups this afternoon in Sarasota