The Atlanta Braves head to Camden Yards on Friday, July 24, 2026, for a 7:05 PM ET showdown against the Baltimore Orioles. Grant Holmes gets the ball for Atlanta in what shapes up as a significant mid-summer road test. The Orioles counter with a pitcher yet to be announced, which adds a wrinkle to Atlanta's pregame preparation. Catch the action on BravesVision or radio on 680 AM/93.7 FM The Fan in Atlanta.

Grant Holmes Takes the Mound for Atlanta

Holmes draws the start for the Braves with Baltimore's probable pitcher still unconfirmed heading into game day. That uncertainty cuts both ways — the Braves' lineup will need to stay disciplined and adjust on the fly once they get a look at who the Orioles actually send out. For Holmes, the focus is simple: attack the strike zone, limit free passes, and give Atlanta's offense enough innings to work with against a Baltimore club that features legitimate middle-of-the-order pop.

Baltimore Lineup Features Dangerous Core

The Orioles are not a team you take lightly. Gunnar Henderson bats third and remains one of the most complete shortstops in the American League. Pete Alonso slots in at second in the order at first base, bringing power to the top of the lineup. Jackson Holliday hits seventh, still developing but dangerous. Catcher Chadwick Tromp rounds out the nine-hole. Baltimore is built to do damage against pitching that lives in the zone, which means Holmes will need to be sharp with his location.

Braves Lineup Construction Worth Watching

Atlanta's lineup card has some interesting elements on Friday. Drake Baldwin leads off as the designated hitter, with Ozzie Albies hitting second at second base. Matt Olson bats third at first base, Michael Harris II slots in fourth in center field, and Mauricio Dubón occupies the five-hole in left field. Austin Riley hits sixth at third base — a notable spot in the order for a player of his caliber. Eli White, Joey Bart, and Jorge Mateo round out the bottom third.

• Drake Baldwin, DH (1st): Sets the table from the leadoff spot
• Ozzie Albies, 2B (2nd): A catalyst when he gets on base early
• Matt Olson, 1B (3rd): The heart of the Atlanta order
• Michael Harris II, CF (4th): Cleanup role puts pressure on him to produce
• Austin Riley, 3B (6th): A dangerous bat that Baltimore cannot afford to overlook

Keys to Watch at Camden Yards

Holmes vs. Baltimore's Power Hitters

Henderson, Alonso, and Taylor Ward — who bats cleanup as the DH — represent a genuine threat in the heart of the Orioles order. Holmes will be tested early. How he handles that top of the lineup in the first two times through the order could define the entire game.

Atlanta's Bottom Third Must Contribute

Eli White, Joey Bart, and Jorge Mateo are not lineup cornerstones, but games on the road are often decided by whether the six through nine spots can extend innings and create pressure. If the bottom third goes silent, Baltimore's pitching — whoever takes the ball — will have an easier night.

Baltimore's Mystery Starter

With no confirmed pitcher for the Orioles, Atlanta's coaching staff will be working with limited advance scouting data. Flexibility and quick adjustments at the plate become even more important than usual.

Prediction

This is a game that comes down to Holmes's execution in the first four innings. If he can navigate the Henderson-Alonso-Ward stretch without giving up multiple runs, the Braves have enough in the lineup — anchored by Olson and Riley — to scratch out a win on the road. Atlanta 4, Baltimore 3.