Sad news: Braves top star leads off as injury shake up against Nationals……,

Cash Tonight, Mike will be the first Braves player to take the field.

Following Ronald Acuña Jr.’s season-ending knee injury, we kind of anticipated the Atlanta Braves to start experimenting, and we’re starting to see that materialize. Let’s take a look at the Braves’ slightly altered appearance for the second day in a row, as well as what the Nationals have planned.

Atlanta’s lineup is as follows:

And there you have it: the Braves are now giving Michael Harris II a turn at first base. Harris will get the chance to lead off for Atlanta for the second time this season; the first time was on May 15 against the Cubs when Acuña was sitting that night. Before this season, Harris has only led off three times. However, if he can continue to produce from that position, it appears possible that he may lead off much more in the future.

In the meantime, Orlando Arcia is now in ninth place, Sean Murphy is now in sixth place, Adam Duvall is in eighth place, Ozzie Albies is in fifth place, and Jarred Kelenic is in seventh place. Jake Irvin’s left-handedness is probably the reason for the little rotation, but Acuña’s absence from the starting lineup has effectively split the Duvall/Kelenic platoon and forced both players into regular positions with the team for the time being. Although the Braves will always be experimenting to find a lineup that works, having players like Murphy and Riley back in the lineup helps to ease the process somewhat.

As they get used to a lefty in Max Fried, Washington’s lineup includes a few new players. First baseman Joey Meneses starts, Nick Senzel goes up to fourth in the order, Keibert Ruiz DHs rather than catches, and eighth-hitter Riley Adams takes over at second base. Jesse Winker is out in left after playing designated hitter yesterday, while Ildemaro Vargas is hitting seventh and positioned at second base.

The game tonight airs on Bally Sports South and kicks off at 7:20 p.m. Eastern Time.

In Atlanta, it’s Fried Day as the Braves attempt to bounce back against the Nationals.
It is unfortunate that Ronald Acuña Jr. will miss the remainder of the season due to injury.
According to reports, Spencer Schwellenbach will start for the Braves on Wednesday.
Weekly report on the Braves prospects: Waldrep and Schwellenbach comprise the two-headed monster of M-Braves.
The Braves’ History on This Day: Atlanta takes on the Reds Braves back-to-back. News: Austin Riley returns, Sean Murphy struggles, and Charlie Morton.

READ MORE:

According to Morosi, the Braves may want to replace Acuña with A’s Rooker.

Following the loss of outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. to his second season-ending ACL injury in his seven-year MLB career, the Atlanta Braves find themselves in familiar ground.

The Athletics’ lone AL All-Star from the previous season may be of interest to the 30-21 Braves now that the reigning 2023 NL MVP is out of the picture.

Brent Rooker, an Oakland outfielder and designated hitter, was mentioned by MLB Network’s Jon Morosi on Tuesday as a possible Acuña Jr. substitute.

“These are some names of guys they might consider looking at later: Taylor Ward, Tommy Pham, and Brent Rooker, Morosi stated. “I anticipate that all of these players will be available to different extents as the trade deadline approaches—which is in two months—in the coming days.”

“While I am told for now they are going to stay internal… I would expect at some point in time, an outfielder will arrive to Atlanta.”✇️ pic.twitter.com/cfFwFiE1NP @jonmorosi on the Braves’ plans for Ronald Acuña Jr.’s injury and the outfielders he anticipates being available at the trade deadline

Baseball Network (@MLBNetwork) 28 May 2024
Rooker is slashing for the 22–33 A’s in 2024, enjoying a strong MLB season.Over 42 games, he batted 286/.368/.565 with 44 hits, 11 home runs, and 34 RBI. A year ago, he had 69 RBI and 30 home runs.

According to Spotrac, the 29-year-old is just owed $750,000 this season, but he would certainly be a target if Oakland were to call on Atlanta.

Despite this, Morosi is certain that nobody can take Acuña Jr.’s spot following his last campaign. The right-handed batter was slashing, which was notable.His season ended with 48 hits and 15 RBI, batting 250/.351/.365.

“Replacing Ronald Acuña Jr. with one player, or even two, is not a viable option because it’s not the right field component; rather, it’s the lead-off piece and the 40 home runs and 70 stolen bases from a year ago,” stressed Morosi.

Naturally, Atlanta is not excited about going through another season without Acuña Jr. However, the Braves responded to losing the four-time NL All-Star in 2021 by winning the World Series.

Morosi concluded by saying Atlanta will look to internal options to replace their star 26-year-old franchise cornerstone but made it clear the Braves are exploring all avenues. “So, the point I want to make globally here is the Braves lost Acuña in 2021 right before the [2021] MLB All-Star Game, they acquired four outfielders within the next two weeks and they won the World Series,” Morosi concluded. “While I’m told for now they’re going to stay internal, I would expect at some point in time, an outfielder will arrive to Atlanta, Georgia.” Keep an eye on Rooker and the Braves as the July 30 MLB Trade Deadline nears.