The Atlanta Braves will have a new look to their lineup for Saturday’s matchup against the Tampa Bay Rays as they try to keep pace in the NL East race. Joc Pederson will make his first start in an Atlanta uniform and will lead off against Rays lefty Josh Fleming. Dansby Swanson moves up to the second spot in the order with Freddie Freeman moving back to the third spot. Ozzie Albies sticks in the clean up spot while Kevan Smith gets another start behind the plate and will catch Max Fried.
Today, we are celebrating the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) July 17, 2021
Our lineup features the Cherokee word for “team,” written in Syllabary: ᎤᎾᏓᏍᎬᎢ
Presented by @TruistNews | #ForTheA pic.twitter.com/n3UYsvPlKu
For the Rays, Yandy Diaz returns to the lineup and will lead off and play third base. Wander Franco moves from third over to second and will hit second. Francisco Mejia will hit seventh and catch Fleming who will be making his seventh start of the season.
Saturday’s game is scheduled to get underway at 7:20 p.m. ET and can be seen on Bally Sports Southeast.