The Atlanta Braves welcome the Washington Nationals to Truist Park on Friday, July 31, for a 7:15 PM ET first pitch. Bryce Elder takes the ball for Atlanta against Washington's Foster Griffin in what figures to be a pitching matchup worth watching. With Ronald Acuña Jr. leading off and a lineup that includes Matt Olson, Ozzie Albies, and Austin Riley, the Braves have the firepower to make any start a winning effort — but Elder will need to keep Washington's offense in check to give Atlanta the kind of quality start this team expects at home.

Starting Pitching Matchup: Bryce Elder vs. Foster Griffin

Bryce Elder gets the nod for the Braves. The right-hander has been an important piece of Atlanta's rotation depth, and every outing matters as teams continue to shape their rosters and build momentum through the second half of the season. Elder's ability to generate weak contact and work efficiently through innings will be central to how this game unfolds.

For Washington, Foster Griffin draws the start. Griffin is a left-hander who will look to neutralize a Braves lineup that leans heavily on right-handed bats. Atlanta's offense will need to stay disciplined and not let Griffin work deep into the game by chasing pitches out of the zone.

Atlanta Braves Starting Lineup

• 1. Ronald Acuña Jr. — RF
• 2. Drake Baldwin — DH
• 3. Matt Olson — 1B
• 4. Ozzie Albies — 2B
• 5. Michael Harris II — CF
• 6. Mauricio Dubón — LF
• 7. Austin Riley — 3B
• 8. Joey Bart — C
• 9. Jim Jarvis — SS

Keys to Watch Friday Night

Acuña Jr. Sets the Tone

Anytime Ronald Acuña Jr. is in the leadoff spot, the Braves have an immediate weapon. His ability to get on base and put pressure on a defense from the very first inning can change how a pitcher approaches the entire Atlanta lineup. Watch how Griffin handles Acuña early — it could define the game's tone.

Olson and Albies in the Middle

Matt Olson hitting third and Ozzie Albies fourth gives Atlanta a formidable one-two punch in the heart of the order. If Acuña and Baldwin can get things going at the top, Olson and Albies are the bats capable of doing real damage. Griffin will have no easy outs in this stretch of the lineup.

Elder's Command and Pitch Mix

Elder doesn't overpower hitters, so his success depends on executing a game plan and keeping Washington off-balance. If he can limit walks and stay ahead in counts, he gives the Atlanta bullpen options and keeps the Braves in a strong position deep into the night.

Jim Jarvis at Shortstop

Jarvis hits ninth and handles short, which makes him worth tracking both defensively and in terms of how he handles at-bats against a left-hander. Young players getting opportunities like this one carry real significance when it comes to roster decisions down the road.

Prediction

Atlanta's lineup is deep enough to put runs on the board against Griffin, and Truist Park crowds have a way of energizing this offense. If Elder is sharp through five or six innings, the Braves' bullpen can close it out. Expect a competitive game, but Atlanta has the edge at home. Braves win, 4–2.

Catch the action on BravesVision or on radio at 680 AM / 93.7 FM The Fan.