Interstate collapse mars Braves’ stadium debut
The collapse of a section of an interstate in Atlanta heightened traffic concerns for the Braves’ first game at new SunTrust Park.
The Braves encouraged fans to adjust their plans to attend Friday night’s exhibition against the New York Yankees. Only season-ticket holders were invited, but the path to the stadium for those estimated 20,000 fans became more challenging.
The stadium is located near the interchange of I-75 and I-285 in Atlanta’s northern suburbs. The section of interstate collapsed Thursday because of a fire on I-85. Traffic was directed from that major road to other interstates, including those flanking the stadium. The Braves’ first regularseason home game is April 14. Brantley is back: Michael Brantley’s long climb back could be over. The Cleveland left fielder will likely make the team’s Opening Day roster — and could start the opener — following a spring in which he slowly worked himself back into shape after playing in only 11 games last year.
“It’s not like it’s going to be a big secret,” manager Terry Francona said. “We’re not trying to keep it a secret. I mean, we’re taking 25 guys and he’s one of them. The paperwork is not done, but I think the work has been done by him.” Series odds: Oddsmakers in Las Vegas say the Chicago Cubs are the favorite to win the World Series and become the third team in almost 40 years to repeat as champions.
The city’s sports books like the team to win it all, with some making the Cubs the 7-2 favorite. Other short-odds choices are the Indians, Boston Red Sox and Los Angeles Dodgers. Exhibition highlights: Kyle Hendricks and Joe Musgrove wrapped up successful springs with solid starts. Hendricks yielded two hits and struck out three over five scoreless innings as the Cubs beat the host Astros 6-3. Musgrove allowed three hits with four strikeouts over four scoreless innings for Houston . ... The Nationals’ game against the Red Sox was canceled because of rain. Briefly: Seattle pitcher Drew Smyly, who was slated to be the Mariners’ No. 4 starter, will begin the season on the disabled list and could be out up to two months because of a strained left elbow . ... The Texas Rangers unexpectedly optioned reliever Keona Kela to Triple-A Round Rock. General manager Jon Daniels says the move wasn’t based on performance, but he and manager Jeff Banister indicated the demotion was not permanent.