[naviga:h3]Braves preparing for ballpark debut[/naviga:h3]

ATLANTA — Workers grooming the infield dirt at the Braves’ new SunTrust Park on Thursday wore hardhats that cast a misleading image.

Most of the hard work is complete.

“We are completely through with the major elements of the construction of the ballpark,” Braves president of business Derek Schiller said.

That leaves about three weeks for finishing touches before the first official unveiling when the Braves play the New York Yankees in an exhibition on March 31. Only season-ticket holders are invited. A crowd of about 20,000 is expected.

[naviga:h3]Woods’ golf return remains unknown[/naviga:h3]

PALM HARBOR, Fla. — Tiger Woods won’t be at the Arnold Palmer Invitational next week and still doesn’t know when he will play again.

Woods announced on his website Thursday night that ongoing rest and rehabilitation on his back will keep him away from Bay Hill and the tournament he has won a record eight times. Woods said he was particularly disappointed because of a week at Bay Hill to celebrate the life of the tournament host.

[naviga:h3]Gibbs, Penske among HOF nominees[/naviga:h3]

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Championship team owners Joe Gibbs and Roger Penske as well as the late Davey Allison are among five new nominees for the 2018 NASCAR Hall of Fame class.

Three-time Late Model Sportsman and 1956 Modified champion Red Farmer and 2000 NASCAR champion Bobby Labonte also are new to the 20-person nomination class. They join 15 holdovers from last year.