Braves General Manager Alex Anthopoulos met with the media on Wednesday for the first time since a return-to-play deal was reached and discussed a wide variety of topics with spring training a week away.
Cole Hamels
Perhaps the most notable highlight of the call was the health of Cole Hamels’ shoulder. Hamels was sidelined in March with a shoulder strain and was expected to miss at least the first six weeks of the would-be season. Now, it seems Hamels will be ready for Opening Day on July 27, barring any setbacks. He is expected to throw a bullpen on Friday and has been throwing off flat ground comfortably in recent weeks.