Braves shake up lineup, as Nacho Alvarez plays third and Ronald Acuna bats third

This is a new approach to lineup construction, as the Braves suffer yet another injury absence

This is a very novel lineup, as Ronald Acuna is healthy but not batting leadoff for the first time in a while (since 2019, I believe). Jurickson Profar bats leadoff, with Olson behind him and Acuna batting third, in what is probably an attempt by Snitker to lengthen the lineup in the absence of Austin Riley, who hit the 10-day IL with a strained abdomen. Marcell Ozuna is back in the lineup as the DH, batting fifth, behind Sean Murphy getting the start at catcher after a two homer night Friday. Nacho Alvarez slots into the lineup at seventh and plays third base, as the Braves hope he can show improvement from a rough stint in the majors for the top prospect last year.

Aaron Bummer starts what will presumably be another bullpen game, but Joey Wentz may get a few innings, as he joined the team in the transactions made this morning.

For the Cardinals, they run out a similar lineup, swapping out catchers, but also sitting Nolan Arenado, as Thomas Saggese plays third.

Today’s game starts at 2:15 PM ET in St. Louis, broadcast in the usual spots and you can check out the game preview here.