The Atlanta Braves welcome the Arizona Diamondbacks to Truist Park on Sunday, August 16, for a 1:35 PM ET afternoon contest. Bryce Elder gets the ball for Atlanta against a familiar face — Michael Soroka, now toeing the rubber for Arizona. With the regular season deep into its second half, every game carries real weight in the standings, and this home date gives the Braves an opportunity to take care of business in front of their own crowd. Catch the action on BravesVision or locally on 680 AM/93.7 FM The Fan.

Pitching Matchup: Elder vs. Soroka

Bryce Elder draws the start for the Braves in what shapes up as a compelling arms duel. Elder has worked to establish himself as a reliable rotation piece for Atlanta, and a home start against a quality opponent is a chance to add to that case. The right-hander will need to work efficiently and keep Arizona's offense off the bases.

On the other side, Michael Soroka makes his return to Truist Park in an opposing uniform. Soroka spent the early years of his career in Atlanta before a series of significant injuries derailed what had been a promising trajectory as a Brave. Seeing him in a Diamondbacks jersey will be a moment for the Atlanta faithful, but sentiment ends at the chalk. Soroka still carries the kind of pitching craft that can give any lineup trouble, so the Braves will need to be disciplined and patient at the plate.

Atlanta Braves Starting Lineup

• 1. Drake Baldwin, C
• 2. Ronald Acuña Jr., RF
• 3. Matt Olson, 1B
• 4. Michael Harris II, CF
• 5. Mike Yastrzemski, LF
• 6. Ozzie Albies, 2B
• 7. Dominic Smith, DH
• 8. Austin Riley, 3B
• 9. Jim Jarvis, SS

Keys to Watch

Acuña Jr. and the Top of the Order

With Ronald Acuña Jr. slotted second behind Drake Baldwin, the Braves have a dangerous combination at the top. Baldwin leading off and Acuña hitting second puts pressure on opposing pitchers from the first pitch. If those two get on base consistently, Olson, Harris, and the rest of the lineup will have opportunities to drive runs in.

Matt Olson and Michael Harris II in the Heart of the Order

Olson at third and Harris fourth give Atlanta legitimate power threats in the middle of the lineup. Both players are capable of doing serious damage against any pitching staff, and Soroka will have to navigate that stretch carefully.

Austin Riley's Spot in the Order

Riley hitting eighth is a notable lineup construction choice. Whether it reflects current form or a specific strategic decision by Atlanta's coaching staff, Riley remains a dangerous bat who opponents cannot overlook regardless of where he sits in the order.

Elder's Command and Pitch Mix

Against an Arizona lineup that can make pitchers pay for mistakes, Elder's ability to locate his pitches and vary his approach will be critical. Walks and early counts that fall behind will put the Braves defense in difficult spots.

Prediction

This is a winnable game at home for Atlanta. Elder has the tools to handle the Diamondbacks lineup, and the Braves' offense — headlined by Acuña and Olson — should be able to solve Soroka given enough looks. Expect a competitive, lower-scoring affair, but give the edge to the Braves in front of the Truist Park crowd. Atlanta 4, Arizona 2.