Kawakami was known as a big-game pitcher in Japan, where the 33-year-old right-hander compiled a 112-72 record and 3.22 ERA in 11 seasons for the Chunichi Dragons, and won a Central League MVP award as well as the Japanese equivalent of the Cy Young.

He was also known for his pinpoint control, which made his seven-walk, five-run outing against the Tigers all the more surprising. He was 2-1 with a 1.74 ERA in five spring starts before that stinker.

"I feel my last start was one of my worst starts ever," said Kawakami, eager to get back on the mound and perform to his expectations. Or, as he said through his interpreter, "I want to believe in myself."

Kawakami said there was nothing about the mound that contributed to his wildness against Detroit.

"The mound felt very good," he said. "It was just myself."

Asked if he was confident going into his regular-season debut, he said, according to his interpreter: "Not confidence coming into the game. But it's my job tomorrow. When it's about to start, I might build up some confidence."

Anderson plans to play it 'smart'

If Garret Anderson had "tweaked" a calf muscle earlier in his career, he probably would have been back in the lineup the next day. At 36, he said he knows not to push it.

"I want to be smart about it," said Anderson, who felt a twinge in his right calf while running before Wednesday's game.

It was the same muscle he pulled at spring training, which sidelined him three weeks. Anderson said this strain was in the same area but not nearly as severe as the original injury, which also occurred when he was warming up before a game.

"It's a lot better [after two days of rest]," he said after taking batting practice Friday. "It's just that last little bit [of soreness] that I can feel."

Manager Bobby Cox said, "We're going to give him a few more days. It's not real bad, but it's there. The smart thing to do is to rest him. We've got a strong bench."

Diaz gets another start in left field

Matt Diaz made his second consecutive start in left field Friday after going 2-for-4 with a two-run double and a home run in Wednesday's 12-11 loss at Philadelphia. After facing right-hander Shairon Martis on Friday, the Braves are scheduled to face left-handed pitchers today and Sunday.

Diaz entered the series with a .327 career average and .855 OPS against lefties, compared to a .273 average and .672 OPS against right-handers.