Ronald Acuña Jr batting 2nd, playing left in All-Star starting lineup

Dave Roberts has released his NL starting lineup, with Braves star outfielder in a couple of unfamiliar places.

The National League starting lineups were released Monday afternoon, with manager Dave Roberts opting to hit Atlanta Braves star outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr second in the batting order and playing left out in the field.

Acuña, who customarily leads off for the Braves, was recently moved in his own lineup with the Braves trying him out batting third the last series of the first half to spark some sort of offensive awakening in the team. Now he’ll be batting second in the All-Star game, flanked on either side by Shohei Ohtani and Ketel Marte with old teammate Freddie Freeman sitting in the clean up spot.

Playing left field is the result of the fans voting in two right-fielders as the starters in Acuña and Cubs star Kyle Tucker. Acuña clearly has more familiarity with the park, being his home stadium, which I imagine played into the decision. Of course it’s the All-Star Game so neither will be in there for more than a few innings as the managers usually start bringing in reserves after the starters each get two at-bats.