As it pertains to lineup construction, it appears Brian Snitker is sticking to the old adage of, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” Accordingly, when the first pitch of tonight’s Braves-Rockies game is thrown, it will be to Ozzie Albies.
Albies has been dynamite serving as the leadoff man against left-handed pitching, so he will stay in this role for tonight’s game against Rockies lefty Kyle Freeland. Here’s how the Braves will line ‘em up behind Albies:
hello from Colorado!
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) April 8, 2019
Here’s how we will take the field at 8:40 ET! #ChopOn pic.twitter.com/pZT5DdJAhG
Tonight’s Braves starters have shellacked Freeland, combining for a rather robust .429/.455/.755 slash line with 9 extra base hits. The red hot Dansby Swanson, who is 6-for-9 against him with a double and a home run, will hit sixth. Ozzie Albies is 5-for-12 with two doubles and a triple. Nick Markakis has gone deep against him twice in 12 plate appearances. Freddie Freeman’s .650 OPS against him is actually the lowest of anyone in the lineup, which is the most confounding statistic of all.
Alex Jackson gets his second consecutive start behind the plate. Meanwhile, Johan Camargo, who tends to mash lefties, will be used in a bench capacity today.
Bud Black will line up the Rockies as such:
New week. New series. Let's go! pic.twitter.com/jcwOU1zADP
— Colorado Rockies (@Rockies) April 8, 2019
As noted in today’s game preview piece, Julio Teheran has fared well against the Rockies during his career, and he hasn’t been dominated by anyone who will get the start for the Rockies today. The slumping Nolan Arenado, who is always a threat no matter what, has gone 3-for-17 against Julio. Trevor Story returns to the lineup after being removed after a HBP during last night’s game; he is 2-for-8 against Teheran with a double and two walks.
Based on early trends through the season’s first week and a half, the Braves do appear to be mashing the ball a bit more than the Rockies, but that’s always subject to change in Colorado’s thin air. Look at all that red!
For more graphics like these, head on over to Baseball Savant and fall down the rabbit hole.
First pitch is scheduled for 6:40 MT.