The Washington Nationals will send Ross Detwiler to the mound against the 8-1 Atlanta Braves Friday night. The Braves have the best record in the majors and are in possession of first place in the N.L. East. The Nationals, however, have to remind everybody who the defending N.L. East champions are.
Here's the starting lineup the Braves will send to the plate against the division rival Nationals.
1. Andrelton Simmons SS
2. Jason Heywayrd RF
3. Justin Upton LF
4. Evan Gattis 1B
5. B.J. Upton RF
6. Dan Uggla 2B
7. Chris Johnson 3B
8. Gerald Laird C
9. Julio Teheran P
These are the main changes in the lineup as the Braves try to make it seven straight wins over the Nationals. Simmons is back at the top of the lineup despite having great numbers at the #2 spot, but that's Heyward's. As a result, B.J. moves back down to the fifth hole.
Laird is back at the catching position as he's set to be Teheran's personal catcher. He's back at the No. 8 spot where he's been fairly successful thus far in the season.
The most interesting change taking place in the lineup has to be Gattis taking over, not only Freddie Freeman's spot in the batting order, but also his position on the field. Gattis will be the first baseman as manager Fredi Gonzalez wants to keep the lineup right-handed heavy as Detwiler is left handed.
There's no way Justin Upton will be moved from the third slot in the lineup with the way he's been swinging the bat. It will be his introduction to the Nationals as a Brave and he'll be looking to make an impact in his new ball club.
For the Nationals against Teheran, you can expect the usual guys in the lineup: Bryce Harper, Adam LaRoche, Ryan Zimmerman, Ian Desmond, Danny Espinos, Jason Werth, Denard Span and Wilson Ramos.
