Brian Snitker opted to shift Kelenic over to center, as opposed to keeping him in a corner and putting Laureano (or Duvall) in the middle. Kelenic also will bat leadoff, replacing Harris in that spot against right-handed pitching. Jarred was brought in as a prospect pedigree reclamation project who could slot in at the back of the Braves’ star-studded lineup playing left field and develop, but injuries and underperformance from many of the team’s bats now see him take the most prominent position in the outfield, and perhaps the best outfield bat as well. The former Oakland Athletic Ramon Laureano will start in right field. Laureano was once a young promising player with power and spectacular defensive highlights, but a PED suspension and declining offense has seen his star fall significantly.
The Rays made a few tweaks to their lineup and will use Randy Arozarena as a DH, as he has been dealing with leg soreness. Former Brave Alex Jackson is out of the lineup today, after starting for Tampa Friday.
Today’s game starts at 4:10 PM ET.
