Where to Watch
Probable Pitchers
Lineups
Atlanta Braves
| # | Player | Pos |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Drake Baldwin | DH |
| 2 | Ronald Acuña Jr. | RF |
| 3 | Matt Olson | 1B |
| 4 | Michael Harris II | CF |
| 5 | Mauricio Dubón | SS |
| 6 | Ozzie Albies | 2B |
| 7 | Mike Yastrzemski | LF |
| 8 | Austin Riley | 3B |
| 9 | Sean Murphy | C |
Miami Marlins
| # | Player | Pos |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Otto Lopez | SS |
| 2 | Jakob Marsee | CF |
| 3 | Heriberto Hernández | LF |
| 4 | Javier Sanoja | 3B |
| 5 | Griffin Conine | RF |
| 6 | Agustín Ramírez | DH |
| 7 | Deyvison De Los Santos | 1B |
| 8 | Joe Mack | C |
| 9 | Jared Serna | 2B |
Preview
The Atlanta Braves make the trip south to face the Miami Marlins at loanDepot park on Friday, September 25, with first pitch scheduled for 7:10 PM ET. Miami sends young right-hander Eury Pérez to the mound, while Atlanta's starter remains unannounced. With the regular season winding down, every game carries weight in the standings, and the Braves are bringing their full lineup — Ronald Acuña Jr., Matt Olson, Michael Harris II, and the rest — looking to take care of business against a Marlins club built largely around emerging talent.
Pitching Matchup: Eury Pérez Starts for Miami, Atlanta's Arm TBD
Pérez is the story on the mound Friday. The 21-year-old right-hander has the kind of electric stuff that makes opposing hitters uncomfortable regardless of record or standings position. Specific ERA and win-loss figures weren't available heading into this one, but Pérez's raw ability is not in question — he's a legitimate arm on a rebuilding Miami roster. The Braves' starter has not been announced, which adds a layer of uncertainty to Atlanta's side of the equation. Manager Brian Snitker will need to piece together a plan, and the bullpen could be heavily involved depending on who gets the ball.
Atlanta Braves Lineup Breakdown
The Braves are rolling out a recognizable and dangerous order. Drake Baldwin leads off at DH, followed by Acuña Jr. in his familiar two-hole spot in right field. Matt Olson hits third at first base, and Michael Harris II bats cleanup in center. Mauricio Dubón slides in at five at shortstop, with Ozzie Albies at second batting sixth. Mike Yastrzemski gets the call in left field at seventh, and Austin Riley — hitting eighth at third base — and catcher Sean Murphy round out the nine.
That's a lineup with legitimate pop top to bottom. Acuña and Olson are the anchors, Harris provides speed and pop in the middle, and Albies gives the order a second dangerous switch-hitting threat. Riley batting eighth speaks more to lineup construction than anything else — he's still a threat any time he steps to the plate.
Keys to Watch Against the Marlins
- Handling Pérez early: If the Braves can work counts and get into Miami's bullpen, that's a favorable situation. Pérez is at his best when he's controlling tempo, so patient at-bats matter.
- Acuña's presence: With Acuña hitting second, the Braves have a genuine on-base threat and run-scoring catalyst near the top every inning. His ability to set the table for Olson and Harris is critical.
- Atlanta's pitching answer: The unnamed starter is the biggest question mark heading in. If Atlanta cobbles together innings from multiple arms, the back end of the bullpen needs to be sharp.
- Miami's young lineup: The Marlins are playing a group of developing players — Otto Lopez, Jakob Marsee, Javier Sanoja, Joe Mack. They're not a club to overlook, but this is a lineup Atlanta's pitching staff should be able to navigate with quality execution.
Prediction: Braves Win a Low-Scoring Road Game
Atlanta's lineup is simply more experienced and more dangerous than what Miami is putting on the field Friday night. Pérez will give the Braves something to think about early, but the order is built to grind through tough outings. If Atlanta gets even a competent start or strong piggyback effort on the mound, this is a game the Braves take. Call it a 4-2 Braves win in a tighter-than-expected road game. Catch it on BravesVision or on 680 AM/93.7 FM The Fan.