Instead of retaining Kelenic at a corner and putting Laureano (or Duvall) in the middle, Brian Snitker made the decision to move Kelenic to the center position. In addition, Kelenic will bat leadoff, taking over for Harris in that position while competing against right-handed pitchers.
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.
Ramon Laureano, a former player for the Oakland Athletics, will begin the game in right field. For a time, Laureano was a youthful and promising player who possessed power and spectacular defensive highlights. However, due to a ban for performance-enhancing drugs (PED) and a decline in offense, his shine has significantly diminished.
Due to the fact that Randy Arozarena has been experiencing calf pain, the Rays have made some adjustments to their lineup and will now employ him as a designated hitter. After making his debut for Tampa Bay on Friday, former Brave Alex Jackson is not in the lineup with the Braves today.