Gonzalez tabs Hudson to start Grapefruit opener

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- The Braves have mapped out their rotation for the start of the season.

The Grapefruit League season, that is.

Fredi Gonzalez announced on Tuesday that Tim Hudson will be on the mound for the spring opener against the Tigers at 1:05 p.m. ET on Friday at the ESPN Wide World of Sports complex. Hudson will be followed by Paul Maholm on Saturday against the Yankees, Julio Teheran (with Sean Gilmartin in a piggyback role) on Sunday at the Pirates, Kris Medlen on Monday against the Marlins and Mike Minor on Tuesday against the Nationals.

What Gonzalez did not announce was his Opening Day starter, a subject of intrigue given the credentials of both Hudson and Medlen.

Looking at the schedule, it appears the Opening Day outlook would all depend on how the Braves handle their two off-days in March. If they keep their starters on regular rest throughout the Grapefruit League calendar, then Medlen would be lined up for the Opening Day start against the Phillies. But if the Braves use those two off-days to give their starters an extra day of rest, then Hudson would be lined up for the season opener.

Hudson will oppose the Tigers' Rick Porcello in the spring opener.