Ronald Acuña set to lead off as Braves face Nationals in series opener

After a lengthy hiatus for the All-Star Break, the Atlanta Braves are back on the diamond on Friday in Washington, D.C. and fun should be had by all. In advance of the contest against the Nationals, the Braves released their lineup for the first of three games.

Anibal Sanchez gets the start for the Braves on the hill and, of course, that is no surprise. He put together a stunningly effective performance before the break and Atlanta hopes that will continue beginning in this spot.

Elsewhere, much of the lineup looks “normal,” with Freddie Freeman, Nick Markakis and company in their customary positions. However, there is plenty of attention on the lead-off spot, where Ronald Acuña gets the nod.

Before the break, Ozzie Albies hit lead-off on Sunday (with Ender Inciarte out of the lineup entirely) but, in this spot, it is Acuña against a right-hander in Stephen Strasburg. Beyond that, Albies sticks in the No. 2 hole, with Inciarte sliding down to the (more appropriate) No. 7 spot in the lineup.

As for the Nationals, Dave Martinez will deploy the following unit (headlined by Stephen Strasburg and Bryce Harper) against the Braves.

Stay tuned throughout the day for all the latest.