Almonte returns to the lineup by reaching fifth place and playing on the left

Remember when Orlando Arcia was promoted to the major league club and Abraham Almonte was sent to the bench? Well, Almonte has made money since in a very small sample, and now he’s back in left field. Go figure, it’s time for the boost from a small sample, apparently.

Almonte has hit anywhere between the fourth and the seventh since being called up, but he has hit the fifth less often – it will be his fourth time there in his 28th overall start. (Yes, we’ve had 27 starts from Abraham Almonte so far. Sorry.) While this lineup is new, this will be the eighth time this starting eight has taken the field for Atlanta, and they’re 4-3 in these games so far.

For the Marlins, Zach Thompson was struck out due to illness, and the Braves will face a bullpen game, with Anthony Bass, one of their only terrible relievers to date, ready to start the game. Their range is as follows:

This is a new roster and defensive arrangement for the Marlins, who still find ways to turn it into the “first half” final series. Joe Panik makes his fifth start for his new team. As with the other clashes with Miami, the Braves should be fine if they can get around Starling Marte and Jesus Aguilar without doing something stupid like leaving a starter the third time around.

Statcast Graphic Time!