Ronald Acuna Jr.

De La Cruz and Marcell Ozuna were the only hitters expected to be on the Opening Day roster that made the trip on Thursday. After grounding out in his first at-bat, De La Cruz doubled off of Konnor Pilkington to open the fourth inning, ultimately coming around to score on a fly ball off the bat of Conner Capel. The 28-year-old outfielder looks like he'll open the season on the short side of a platoon in right field until Ronald Acuna Jr. (knee) is ready to return.

Braves star outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. took batting practice at spring training and right-hander Spencer Strider already has thrown a side session at their Florida camp.

Acuna's rehab from ACL surgery is coming along quicker this time than when he previously tore his other ACL, Anthopoulos said. The Braves aren't going to provide an official timetable for his return to the lineup until late in the spring, but it sounds like he's due back about a month into the season.

Braves stars Ronald Acuna Jr. and Spencer Strider are making good progress to be ready early this season, manager Brian Snitker said Thursday.