In the days leading up to Ender Inciarte’s reactivation from the Injured List, much speculation was bandied about regarding his role upon returning to the Braves. While he has only been back for five games, an early trend seems to be developing - and that trend is a platoon with Austin Riley.
Granted, the platoon is not strictly based on handedness, as Riley started on Saturday against righty Anibal Sanchez, but it is interesting to note that, with the Royals sending lefty Danny Duffy to the mound tonight and Riley getting the start, this admittedly small sample size is yielding 80% results. As noted, Riley gets the nod tonight against the southpaw, as does Tyler Flowers.
Here's how the #Braves will line up tonight vs. the Royals!#ChopOn pic.twitter.com/BAjdweWerd
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) July 23, 2019
Rather than referring to the 37-64 Royals as “lowly,” as I did in today’s preview, let’s just use the term “playoff challenged.” They will roll out the following lineup.
Two-game interleague set in Atlanta starts tonight.#AlwaysRoyal pic.twitter.com/R29sjeLoWZ
— Kansas City Royals (@Royals) July 23, 2019
Hopefully, the Braves will be able to keep this lineup in check and win both games in this two-game series. But they can’t win both unless they win tonight, so let’s start there.
One thing to note about Duffy - his ground ball rate is only 37.2%, which would make him 10th worst in baseball if he had the innings to qualify. For an Atlanta team that thrives on hitting line drives and keeping the ball in the air, a few fastballs could find their way to the Chophouse.
On the other side of this, the Royals’ ground ball rate as a team is 45.2%, which could play to Keuchel’s greatest strength.
First pitch is scheduled for 7:20pm ET.