The Atlanta Braves' and NL Rookie of the Month, Evan Gattis, will still find space in the starting lineup despite the return of the team's true catcher Brian McCann. The Braves get set to take on the Cincinnati Reds in a three game series at the Great American Ball Park. Here's what the Braves lineup looks like with McCann installed right in the middle.
Though the Braves bats get a 20-plus home run guy added to their lineup, Paul Maholm will be pitching away to right-handers and inside to lefties as Gattis gets set to play left field at the GABP against the Reds. That's right, Gattis, who has one of the most entertaining home run trots.
It's only his home run trot, fans haven't had the opportunity to see this guy run. While in his home run jog, Gattis looks like he's throwing baby hooks into the air. The good news is that when running to his left, he will have a speedy B.J. Upton right next to him.
Here's Monday's lineup:
1. B.J. Upton CF
2. C. Johnson 3B
3. J. Upton RF
4. Freeman 1B
5. Gattis LF
6. McCann C
7. Uggla 2B
8. Simmons SS
9. Maholm P
McCann had a nice time recovering in the minors and if he returns with the same swing, the Braves can only expect a lot of production from their nine-year veteran. In his time spent in the minors, split between Gwinett and Rome, McCann went deep four times in 23 at-bats and only had three strikeouts while hitting .348 combined. The Braves need more of these numbers as they are currently second in strikeouts in the entire MLB.
The Braves face a Reds team that has won three straight games and 18-14 to start the season. The Braves are 18-12 to start their 2013 campaign.
