Spring Fever: Braves @ Phillies

Braves 7, Phillies 4

Kyle Davies, hoping to remain one of the Atlanta Braves' starting five, allowed three hits and a run over six innings in the Braves' 7-4 win over the Phillies. He walked one, struck out four and is 1-0 with a 1.93 ERA through four spring starts.

Davies, competing with Mark Redman and Lance Cormier for the last two spots in the rotation, has changed his delivery up a bit on the advice of pitching coach Roger McDowell. The right-hander has been holding his arms low instead of over his head at the start of his delivery, adding more comfort while standing over the rubber.

After posting a 7-6 record as a rookie in 2005, Davies slumped to 3-7 with a 8.38 ERA last season after suffering a severe strain to his right groin on May 15th, missing 94 games following surgery.

Cormier is 3-0 with a 1.29 ERA and Redman has a 4.50 ERA in three starts - considered the favorite for the fourth spot in the rotation. Davies is making the choice difficult, however.

Brett Myers, who allowed six runs in 6.1 innings for the Phillies, said he was honored to get the ball for the April 2nd game. "It means a lot to be categorized with those guys, but any of our guys could be put in the ace spot and be able to perform. We have a good staff."

Newcomer to the Braves' relief corps, former Pirate Mike Gonzalez, struck out two in a scoreless inning after struggling earlier this spring with a 7.00 ERA.

In other news out of Philadelphia: right-hander Freddy Garcia and catcher Carlos Ruiz will both be examined by team physicians on Saturday after experiencing shoulder soreness Wednesday.

[MLB] | [MiLB]