Tuesday, April 19, 2016

Wood makes Atlanta return to open series

Prior to leaving Miami and heading back to Atlanta on Sunday, a reporter joked to Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez that now comes the easy part of the schedule when they host the Dodgers on Tuesday, in the first of a three-game series against the reigning National League West champions.
"Yeah, right," Gonzalez answered with a laugh. "What's that kid's name? And the other guy?"
Gonzalez was referring to rookie Ross Stripling (the 'kid' who flirted with a no-hitter his first start) and of course Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw. But the Dodgers will not have to face either one right away, as Alex Wood (1-1, 4.50 ERA) is scheduled to make his third start for the Dodgers in the series opener. It will be the former Braves lefty's first start at Turner Field against his former team since being traded to the Dodgers last July.
As for the Braves' starting pitcher on Tuesday, it was scheduled to be Matt Wisler, but he was needed to pitch in relief in the 10th inning on Sunday in the Braves' 6-5 win at Miami. Williams Perez will make the start and Wisler now will be pushed to a Thursday start. Julio Teheran is scheduled to pitch on Wednesday.
Three things to know
• Tuesday's game kicks off an eight-game, three-series homestand for the Braves, who will be looking for their first win at Turner Field this season.
• Braves right fielder Nick Markakis has reached base safely in all 12 games this season.
• Adrian Gonzalez has been crushing fastballs this season. Entering the Dodgers' Sunday night game against the Giants, Gonzalez has had 10 of his 16 hits and four of his five extra-base hits off heaters.

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