Braves vs Twins Spring Training Game Thread: 2/22/26
The braves opened their first scheduled home spring training game with Chris Sale on the mound, but Sunday’s matchup with the Twins was delayed by weather and was later set to start at 2: 05 p. m. ET. The delay and roster looks matter because the club rolled out much of what is expected to be its Opening Day unit while the organization, fans and broadcasters adjusted to a wet afternoon.
Braves lineup, rotation notes and managerial context
Chris Sale drew the start for this early-season appearance, and the team presented what was described as most of a likely Opening Day lineup. One regular was absent from that group: Mike Yastrzemski, who had homered in the prior day’s game. The manager is in his first season leading the club, and spring lineup choices were already generating commentary about handedness and batting order, with debate over the 2-3 spots and whether a left-handed lefty stack should be adjusted by mixing in other options.
The roster deployment here is primarily about health checks and situational evaluation, with expectations that lineups and roles will evolve as the spring proceeds. With a veteran starter on the mound and everyday players getting reps, the emphasis for this game thread was both immediate performance and what the evening might reveal about Opening Day plans.
Weather delay and updated start time
The game was delayed Sunday due to weather. Team updates indicated conditions might clear after an hour or two, and the matchup was scheduled to begin at 2: 05 p. m. ET. This update set the timeline for when players would return to the field and when fans could expect live action to resume. The postponement affected both the pregame cadence and early evaluation opportunities for position players and relievers slated for short outings.
Twins lineup highlights and game-day context
The Twins’ order featured Byron Buxton as the leadoff presence, while a former member of the Braves occupied shortstop. Those lineup elements, combined with Sale on the mound, created an early competitive dynamic despite the weather interruption. For the away side, the game offered chances to assess established pieces as well as depth options that could surface later in the spring.
Broadcast reach and what to watch next
Broadcast coverage for spring training was expanding this year, with an offering that brings a set number of games to fans across the team’s territory and reaches multiple markets in the Southeast. The broader availability of spring telecasts and radio options is intended to give more observers the chance to track lineup decisions, pitching previews and prospect showings as the schedule unfolds.
Key things to monitor in the coming days: how the rotation is managed after a high-profile start, whether the Opening Day lineup continues to take shape in a similar configuration, and how injured or absent players are reintegrated. Spring training is by nature fluid, and the delay on Sunday served as a reminder that timetable shifts can affect evaluation plans.
Developing situation
Recent updates indicate the game was delayed and rescheduled for an afternoon start. Further details and adjustments to lineups or playing time may evolve as the club issues additional updates and weather conditions change.
