The Braves enjoyed a day off Thursday and open their second homestand of the season Friday. They’ll face the Diamondbacks in a three-game series this weekend.
Arizona is 9-10, fourth place in the competitive National League West. Recently, the Diamondbacks split a four-game series against the Nationals and just swept the Reds in Cincinnati. Arizona has won four games in a row and is 5-2 on its current 10-game road trip.
The Braves, coming off a 3-2 trip, are 8-10 on the season. The mediocre start shouldn’t be considered too disappointing considering the context. The Braves are 8-6 since their 0-4 start, and they’ve stayed afloat despite getting struck with the injury bug. Among those returning soon are outfielder Ronald Acuna, who could be in Friday’s lineup, and starter Drew Smyly, who will start Saturday.
And the Braves could be tied for first place by the end of Friday night. The Mets (7-7) and Phillies (9-9) lead the NL East with .500 records. The Braves, Marlins (8-10) and Nationals (7-9) are each only a game back. The NL East arguably is the best division in the sport, and nobody has separated themselves early.
Braves Lineup: The AJC presents a daily look at one thing to know about the Atlanta Braves today.
