ATLANTA (AP) -- The Atlanta Braves need new veteran leadership for a rotation that has lost Julio Teheran and Dallas Keuchel.
Left-hander Cole Hamels is eager to fill the void as pitchers and catchers report to spring training on Wednesday.
The 36-year-old Hamels, who signed an $18 million, one-year deal with Atlanta on Dec. 4, brings much-needed experience to a young rotation that also includes Mike Soroka, Max Fried and Mike Foltynewicz.
Soroka, who could be the team's opening day pitcher, is only 22. Fried is 26. Foltynewicz is 28.