ESPN.com · Mar 31, 2018
McCarthy to debut for Braves vs. Phillies
ATLANTA -- The Atlanta Braves traded Matt Kemp to the Los Angeles Dodgers to get rid of the two remaining years on the outfielder's big contract, but they hope they got a solid veteran starting pitcher back in the deal for 2018.
That will all depend on Brandon McCarthy staying healthy after three seasons with the Dodgers, when the 34-year-old right-hander couldn't remain on the mound.
McCarthy will make his first start for Atlanta on Saturday night as the Braves conclude an opening three-game series against the Philadelphia Phillies at SunTrust Park.
Right-hander Vince Velasquez, whose 2017 season came to an end in August because of surgery on his index finger, will pitch for the Phillies.