The Braves’ next seven games will take place in Pacific Time, where things tend to be more relaxed. Despite that, the Braves can’t really afford to take their foot off the gas - so they will roll with their go-to starting eight.
To combat the strongest team in the NL West, the Braves will line up as such:
Get your coffee ready for some late night #Braves baseball from LA!#ChopOn pic.twitter.com/LLgJjjwum4
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) May 6, 2019
No huge surprises here, with the Braves following their standard alignment against right-handed pitching. Ozzie Albies retains his leadoff spot after several weeks of good work. Ender Inciarte, who has found his old stroke since moving to the eight-spot in the lineup, will stay in his new-found home. After resting on Sunday, it’s nice to see Josh Donaldson and Ronald Acuña, Jr. back in the lineup.
In tonight’s game, the Braves will face Walker Buehler, who has been known to be a buzzsaw. The Braves have somewhat limited experience against Buehler, but there’s one particular moment that stands out. Perhaps you remember it?
This is not a drill.@ronaldacunajr24, GRAND SLAM. pic.twitter.com/kbPCTF2FSZ
— MLB (@MLB) October 8, 2018
I watched it 15 times. It still gives me chills.
Meanwhile, Kevin Gausman (who is currently appealing a suspension) will see the Dodgers in the following order:
Tonight’s Dodger lineup vs. Braves:
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) May 6, 2019
Pederson LF
Bellinger RF
Turner 3B
Seager SS
Muncy 1B
Taylor 2B
Verdugo CF
Barnes C
Buehler P#Dodgers | @Biofreeze pic.twitter.com/uXGuz2JTuI
Any lineup featuring Cody Bellinger is formidable, but especially one where he’s surrounded by Joc Pederson, Justin Turner, and Corey Seager. Even with some of the Dodgers regulars playing under their talent level, they are always a threat to break out.
First pitch is scheduled for 10:10 PT. If you’re on the East Coast, that’s probably a good time to set the auto-brew on your coffeemaker.