Over the past week, due to injuries and ineffectiveness, the Braves have made some changes to their lineup. It seems they found a version they liked last night and are looking to stick with it for the time being.
.@MaxFried32 returns to the mound tonight in DC!
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) May 5, 2021
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With Travis d’Arnaud being out for an extended period of time, the Braves have decided that the time to shine for Ozzie Albies and Austin Riley as middle of the order anchors is now. Both Abies and Riley have certainly shown vast improvements in their offensive approach over the past few weeks. It is critical that they continue to find success through both good plate discipline and hard contact.
Starting at 1B for your Washington Nationals...
— Washington Nationals (@Nationals) May 5, 2021
#NATITUDE pic.twitter.com/EfqgBnrUsC
The Nationals have made a few adjustments to their lineup with southpaw Max Fried on the mound. Josh Harrison will move to right field while Jordy Mercer will step in at second base. Ryan Zimmerman will also replace Josh Bell at first base. Obviously, the biggest aspect of the lineup is the glaring hole that is the absence of Juan Soto. Though Soto did pinch hit last night, it seems, in his return from injury, the Nationals are not yet ready for him to play the field. At the end of the day, regardless of who follows, only one truth remains regarding the Nationals: limit Trea Turner. If the Braves can find success in doing that, they can earn a needed victory.