Braves set to open SunTrust Park on April 13 vs. Padres

NEW YORK - The Atlanta Braves are scheduled to open SunTrust Park on April 13 against the San Diego Padres, according to a copy of the team's preliminary schedule obtained by The Associated Press.

The 2017 schedule, which is tentative and subject to change, has the Braves opening the season with a three-game series at the New York Mets on April 3, then going to the Pittsburgh Pirates for a three-game series. Atlanta also has a two-game series at the Miami Marlins before heading home for the Thursday opener against the Padres, the start of a four-game series.

Teams opening new ballparks often host exhibition games at the new stadiums before opening day, and it is possible the Braves could schedule some at SunTrust ahead of the regular season.

Braves officials declined comment on the schedule, since it is not yet official.