The Braves are going to use a bit of a different defensive alignment for Friday's series opener with the Baltimore Orioles. As first baseman Freddie Freeman continues to nurse a sore finger on his left hand, Martin Prado will make the start at first. Manager Fredi Gonzalez hinted this was possible against a lefty earlier in the week, and he will do just that against southpaw Brian Matusz this evening.
Matt Diaz will make the start in left field. The rest of the lineup is pretty standard for what we've seen all season. Here it is:
Michael Bourn - CF
Martin Prado - 1B
Brian McCann - C
Dan Uggla - 2B
Chipper Jones - 3B
Matt Diaz - LF
Jason Heyward - RF
Andrelton Simmons - SS
Tommy Hanson - P
The Orioles are yet to release their lineup information at this time.
First pitch from Turner Field is set for 7:35 p.m.
For more on the Braves be sure to check out Talking Chop.