Braves.mlb.com

LAKELAND, Fla. -- All of those initial concerns regarding Rafael Soriano's right shoulder can be at least temporarily put to rest. Braves manager Bobby Cox plans to use his new right-handed reliever in Thursday afternoon's game against the Yankees at Disney's Wide World of Sports complex.

Cox made this announcement Wednesday afternoon, after the Braves and Tigers played to a 4-4, 11-inning tie. Earlier in the day back at Disney, Soriano completed a pain-free bullpen session.

This was certainly a positive development for the Braves, who acquired Soriano from the Mariners in December. The hard-throwing reliever has made two previous trips to the disabled list because of his right shoulder. The most recent occurrence came last year, when he was on the disabled list from July 20-Aug. 4.

"It's something that he had last year," Braves pitching coach Roger McDowell said. "It doesn't seem like it's something that is going to hinder him."

Because visa problems delayed his arrival to camp, the Braves haven't rushed Soriano's preparations. They initially planned for him to make his Grapefruit League season debut on Sunday against the Dodgers.

With his shoulder feeling a little tender, the Braves opted not to push Soriano. After he experienced no discomfort while playing catch on Tuesday, they scheduled Wednesday's bullpen session, which obviously proved successful.

Soriano's presence greatly strengthens the club's much-improved bullpen. In 60 innings with the Mariners last year, Soriano limited opponents to a .204 batting average and posted a 2.25 ERA.

Since arriving in camp on Feb. 22, Soriano has proven to be an intense individual. He's occasionally been found sitting at his locker, seemingly staring a hole through the wall across the room.

But all the Braves care about is the production he provides on the mound. With Soriano, Bob Wickman and Mike Gonzalez, they have three potential closers who will allow them to shorten games.

"If we've got a lead after six innings, people better watch out," Chipper Jones said.

Hampton set for Saturday: Mike Hampton will make his much-anticipated Grapefruit League debut with a one-inning appearance against the Blue Jays on Saturday at Disney. It will be his first appearance since having Tommy John elbow reconstruction surgery in September 2005.

With Hampton having produced two consecutive encouraging bullpen sessions, both Cox and McDowell are hopeful that the veteran left-hander will be available at the start of the regular season.

Wilson's power: Cox still isn't sure if Craig Wilson's nagging right shoulder soreness will allow him to spend much time in left field this season. But he's quickly learned that Wilson definitely has the potential to provide a powerful right-handed bat off the bench.

While serving as the designated hitter on Wednesday, Wilson provided a homer and a triple. Through his first nine Grapefruit League at-bats, he's recorded four hits, three of which have gone for extra bases.

"Craig had a wonderful day," Cox said. "He looked good. He's got a lot of pop in his bat. He's had all good at-bats so far."

If Wilson's shoulder prevents him from spending regular time in left field this year, he'll primarily be used as an occasional backup for left-handed-hitting first baseman Scott Thorman. But Wilson's primary role will likely be as a pinch-hitter. In 104 career pinch-hit at-bats, he has 12 homers.

Prado and Escobar impressing: Entering Wednesday, Yunel Escobar and Martin Prado had proven to be the hottest hitters on the Braves' roster. But that doesn't exactly change the fact that they're still both long shots to earn an Opening Day roster spot.

Prado, who is hitting .571 (8-for-14), and Escobar, who is hitting .462 (6-for-13), will likely begin the season as Triple-A Richmond's double-play combo.

Kelly Johnson's capability of producing the on-base percentage desired from a leadoff hitter continues to make him the better candidate than Prado at second base. As for Escobar, his limited experience at the position severely diminishes his candidacy.

Coming up: Tim Hudson will oppose Mike Mussina and the Yankees at Disney on Thursday afternoon at 1:05 ET. Hudson's patented sinker helped him produce two scoreless innings against the Astros on Saturday. Also pitching for the Braves will be their stellar bullpen trio of Wickman, Gonzalez and Soriano.