Workers put finishing touches on Braves’ new home
Workers scurried around baseball’s newest stadium Thursday, screwing in a row of seats, stocking up the concession stands and hauling away construction debris.
In the surest sign that the first pitch was just 24 hours away — they also watered down the infield.
Amid the flurry of last-minute touches, the Atlanta Braves held their initial workout at SunTrust Park, tuning up for an exhibition game tonight against the New York Yankees.
The $622 million stadium appeared largely ready for a game that will serve as a tuneup for the regular season, giving team officials a chance to discover any kinks and make adjustments where necessary.
The players certainly reveled in the chance to move into a brand new facility.
“I don’t care how much money they’re making or how long they’ve been in the game, it’s a fun thing,” manager Brian Snitker said. “For a lot of these guys, it’s their first time here.”
The Braves moved to the suburbs after 20 years at Turner Field near downtown Atlanta, taking advantage of a sweetheart deal from Cobb County that included some $400 million in public funding and the land to build a mixed-used development adjacent to the new stadium.
Top prospect Diaz makes Indians’ roster
Infielder Yandy Diaz has made Cleveland’s opening-day roster after he was expected to start the season in the minor leagues.
Diaz, who batted .325 in 95 games at triple A Columbus last season, is considered one of the Indians’ top prospects. The 25-year-old had an excellent spring camp and the AL champions have decided he’s ready to make the jump.
Rangers, 2B Odor reach 6-year deal
Rougned Odor and the Texas Rangers have agreed to a new six-year contract that includes a club option for 2023 and guarantees the young second baseman at least $49.5 million.
The deal completed Thursday includes a $2 million signing bonus and a $13.5 million club option for 2023 with a $3 million buyout.
Bees swarm infield during spring training
When a pack of bees swarmed the field, the Rockies and Padres didn’t seem to know what to do. So they hit the deck. In a bizarre scene at spring training Thursda in Peoria, Arizona, players from both teams went flat on the dirt when bees stormed the infield during the ninth inning of Colorado’s 10-5 win over San Diego.