The Braves rotation may be set, but the bullpen? That's another story.

Manager Bobby Cox and pitching coach Roger McDowell are confident enough with their starters to be able to more or less map out the season—barring injuries—slotting each one for an optimal start and figuring out rest days as the season winds down.

No such luxury with the relievers.

The expected closing tandem, left-hander Billy Wagner and right-hander Takashi Saito, had trouble finding the strike zone in their earliest spring training outings. Wagner rebounded to the point where he was working on throws to first base during his appearances. Saito's stuff had been there, but his fastball command had not been consistent.

KISSIMMEE, Fla. - Ricky Romero had another strong start on Saturday, pitching four shutout innings and the Toronto Blue Jays defeated the Atlanta Braves 3-0.

Derek Lowe could only stare at his foot in disbelief. Longtime Braves manager Bobby Cox said he had never seen anything like it. Lowe was hampered Wednesday by a blister on his right foot, forcing him out of Atlanta's 7-6 victory over the New York Mets after just one inning. Lowe said the recurring blister on his push-off foot popped with Daniel Murphy at the plate, after he had faced two...

This time last year, Tommy Hanson was a confident prospect who knew it wouldn't be long until he made the major leagues. After a half-season rising through the Atlanta Braves system, Hanson made his major league debut and surprised no one, going 11-4 in 21 starts for the Braves. Now, his confidence is just as high.

Derek Lowe got off to a solid start after a rough first season in Atlanta, pitching two hitless innings in the Braves' 11-8 victory over the Washington Nationals on Friday. Atlanta's new closer, Billy Wagner, did not fare so well. He gave up three hits and two runs in the third inning. Yunel Escobar went 3 for 3 with two RBIs and two runs scored and Melky Cabrera had two hits and an RBI for...

Derek Lowe got off to a solid start after a rough first season in Atlanta, pitching two hitless innings in the Braves' 11-8 victory over the Washington Nationals on Friday. The Braves new closer, Billy Wagner, did not fare so well. He gave up three hits and two runs in the third inning. Yunel Escobar went 3 for 3 with two RBIs and two runs scored and Melky Cabrera had two hits and an RBI for the...

Tim Hudson wasn't taking his first start of the spring too seriously. Hudson allowed only two hits over two shutout innings, facing the minimum six batters in a 9-5 win over the New York Mets on Wednesday, and said he can't wait to take the mound again. "It would be an awesome thing if it were in July," Hudson said.