The weather might not scream baseball season, but the Milwaukee Brewers have done everything they can to prepare Miller Park for Opening Day as the Atlanta Braves come to two to kickoff the 2014 MLB season. The two National League teams will met up on the newly redone ballpark in hopes of starting their season off with a win and swinging momentum in their favor.
The Brewers are fresh off a season of controversy and hope to move past the steroid news that faced them during much of 2013. Ryan Braun is returning from a 65-game doping suspension following his involvement in the Biogenesis scandal. The newly placed right-fielder has vowed to become the league's top slugger once again. The 2011 MVP his .417 during spring training proving that he is well on his way to meeting that goal.
Injuries will play a factor for the Brewers and the Braves at the start of the season. Milwaukee reliever Francisco Rodriguez had a painful run-in with a cactus and now has a minor shoulder injury. Shortstop Jean Segura is also dealing with minor injuries as well. However, both Aramis Ramirez and Rickie Weeks are healthy after injured-riddled 2013 seasons.
The Braves spring did not go as planned when it comes to health. The team lost two starting pitchers in back-to-back games. Both Kris Medlen and Brandon Beachy were forced to undergo their second Tommy John surgeries after elbow injuries ended their 2014 seasons. Reliever Gavin Floyd is also recovering for surgery that he underwent in May. Mike Minor will also be opening the season on the disabled list after suffering a shoulder injury.
Julio Teheran is the team's only hope. After signing a new contract extension following a strong spring, the pitcher will try and follow up from his 14-8, 3.20 ERA rookie campaign. He went 1.80 with 26 strikeouts in 25 innings during the spring, proving he is worth every penny and so is his health. Yovani Gallardo will start for the Brewers after going 12-10 with a 4.18 ERA last season.