After a quick flight, the Braves are back in Washington, DC for one last series against the Nationals this season.
With RHP Jake Irvin on the mound, Walt Weiss is running yet another novel lineup today.
Drake Baldwin will catch for AJ Smith-Shawver and bat leadoff. Ronald Acuña Jr.’s performance in the Rockies series was a sight for sore eyes, going 6-for-9 at the plate with some great moments in right field. He’ll try to keep the momentum going in the two-hole. Matt Olson is always where you expect him to be, both at first base and hitting third.
Where in the world is Carmen Sandiego Mauricio Dubón? Well, today, he’ll be found at second base. He drops down a spot from where he’s been batting cleanup, where Michael Harris II will hit instead. It’s just a day off from the field today for Ozzie Albies, as he’s slotted in at sixth as the designated hitter. Austin Riley will follow. Brewer Hicklen gets the start in left field today and Ha-Seong Kim rounds us out at short and batting ninth.
The Nationals have been without James Wood since August 4 after suffering a mild left oblique strain. But he’s homering in rehab and may be activated for tomorrow’s finale.
Instead, CJ Abrams will lead off for the Nats, followed by RF Dylan Crews and 3B Brady House. Cleanup hitter Daylen Lile is the reigning NL Player of the Week and had a multi-homer game yesterday versus Miami.
With the expansion of rosters, the Nationals selected the contract of corner infield prospect Yohandy Morales. He will make his MLB debut tonight as the designated hitter in the five-hole. Abimelec Ortiz will play first base and hit sixth. Harry Ford will catch for Jake Irvin and hit seventh, Jorbit Vivas will follow and play second base, and center fielder Jacob Young will hit ninth.
First pitch is at 6:45 pm ET.