As the Braves look to earn the series split against the Red Sox in Atlanta, they are once again making a significant adjustment to the lineup.
Here is tonight's #Braves lineup vs. Boston.
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) June 16, 2021
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Manager Brian Snitker is once again looking at the idea of Abraham Almonte in the cleanup spot in the lineup. As Almonte moves up, Austin Riley moves down to fifth and Dansby Swanson moves down to sixth. Though this easily is one of many examples as to how far off the rails this season has been so far for Atlanta, Almonte has been one of the more consistent bats in the Braves lineup recently. He currently has a .915 OPS, with a .987 OPS against right handers. While no one expects this type of production to last, Snitker seems to feel a bit of change currently could warrant a bit more consistency from the lineup as a whole.
Kevan Smith also gets the start at catcher as William Contreras gets a rest.
One more down in Georgia. pic.twitter.com/ihXFQDOLyI
— Red Sox (@RedSox) June 16, 2021
The Red Sox will feature the same lineup tonight as they did last night. Of course, they have every reason to with yet another productive night last night. Boston is second in the majors this season with nine games in which they have scored 10 or more runs. Boston’s offense has been the source of their resurgent 2021 season so far, though their bullpen has also been very productive. Just as Garrett Richards has consistently done this season, the Red Sox starting rotation is simply giving the offense and bullpen a chance to win games most times out. For Ian Anderson and the Braves, they must limit opportunities for the Red Sox to score in waves.