Braves stick with big boppers up top for Game 1 vs. Orioles

The Atlanta Braves are not without their warts as a team, but one thing is for certain - their offense stands as one of the team’s most robust in recent memory. Tonight’s lineup will be no exception.

Travis d’Arnaud will perform the catching duties for Touki Toussaint night, and will bat cleanup. Former Oriole Nick Markakis, who is sure to get a rousing ovation from Baltimore’s cardboard crowd, will bat sixth and play right field.

The return of Ozzie Albies has served as a shot in the arm for the Braves, who have gone 4-1 and tallied 53 runs since his return last Wednesday (granted, 54.7% of those came in the first game). By plugging him into the ninth spot, the Braves are able to turn over the lineup in style while also having a legitimate on-base and power threat ahead of Ronald Acuña, Jr.

The 20-26 Orioles will send out the orange and black in the following configuration to face Touki:

Old friend Rio Ruiz bats fifth and will man the hot corner. Austin Hays, who was just reinstated after a rib fracture, bats eighth and returns to left field. The O’s will send Jorge Lopez to the mound, he of the 1-0 record and 6.38 ERA.

First pitch is slated for 7:35pm ET.