As expected, Sean Murphy returns to the Braves’ lineup with Nationals left-hander Mitchell Parker on the mound. The Braves had a chance to start Stuart Fairchild again, but instead chose to stick with Alex Verdugo in the leadoff spot and in left field. The last time Parker faced Atlanta in D.C., Eli White led off and Fairchild hit eighth. So, this marks yet another lineup shuffle for the Braves — though this current version has been their most frequently used setup so far this season.
On the Nationals’ side, it’s more lefty-stacking, a tactic they’ve also used against several Braves right-handers in past matchups. Today’s lineup is identical to the one that produced a 10-4 win over Baltimore, although they typically start Jacob Young in center and move Dylan Crews to right field, rather than giving the nod to Alex Call.
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Only four hitters in Washington’s lineup have previously faced Spencer Strider: CJ Abrams, Luis García Jr., and Keibert Ruiz each have double-digit plate appearances against him, and Nathaniel Lowe adds five more. Interestingly, Abrams, García, and Ruiz have had success — collectively putting up a .396 wOBA and .348 xwOBA against Strider. Including Lowe’s numbers brings those down slightly to .366 and .328, respectively — still solid.
Meanwhile, the Braves are seeing Parker again after facing him just last week — a matchup that didn’t go well. Atlanta’s lineup managed only a .177 wOBA and .262 xwOBA in 55 total plate appearances. No Braves hitter has faced Parker more than nine times, and if they’re going to turn things around, they may need to rely on Washington’s shaky defense to tilt things in their favor.
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