Sports
Braves Open Pandemic-Shortened Season Friday Against Mets
The game at Citi Field — minus fans and two catchers because of COVID-19 — will be broadcast at 4 p.m. on ESPN and Fox Sports South.
ATLANTA, GA — With cardboard fans in the seats and two catchers out with COVID-19 symptoms, the Atlanta Braves begin the most unusual season of their existence Friday afternoon at Citi Field against the New York Mets.
First pitch for the season opener is at 4:10 p.m. Friday, with the game broadcast nationally on ESPN and regionally on Fox Sports South.
Right-hander Mike Soroka, a Cy Young contender last year who finished second in Rookie of the Year voting, will start as pitcher for the Braves. Jacob deGrom, who did win the NL Cy Young Award last year, will start for the Mets.
Find out what's happening in East Cobbfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Braves catchers Tyler Flowers and Travis d’Arnaud are on the COVID-19 injured list. Although neither has yet tested positive, both are showing symptoms. Alex Jackson and William Contreras will take their places.
Both the Braves and the Mets did well last season and are expected to compete for the NL East Crown.
Find out what's happening in East Cobbfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.