The Atlanta Braves are rolling through their schedule right now. They have won the last eight games on their schedule and hold a record of 15-5 since the All-Star break, which is good for the best mark in the NL in that span.
On Friday, the Braves will head to New York to face the Yankees in a weekend series between two historic franchises. Atlanta is sending RHP Tyler Mahle (3–9, 5.13 ERA, 89 SO) to the mound to make his team debut. Old friend Max Fried will take the ball for the Yankees (4–3, 3.12 ERA, 68 SO).
Before the first game of the series, the Braves revealed their lineup, which features a notable Ronald Acuña Jr. change.
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Looking at the Atlanta Braves Lineup for 8/7…
GettyATLANTA, GEORGIA – AUGUST 1: Ronald Acuña Jr. #13 of the Atlanta Braves dives safely into home plate to score on a wild pitch from Washington Nationals pitcher Eddy Yean #46 during the seventh inning at Truist Park on August 1, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Casey Sykes/Getty Images)
The Atlanta Braves are showcasing a very similar lineup for Friday night’s game, and why wouldn’t they, as winners of 8 straight MLB games. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it, but per usual, there are a few tweaks to the order.
Ronald Acuña Jr. jumps to the leadoff spot against the LHP Fried. Ronald hit two home runs in the Braves’ route of the Miami Marlins on Thursday night.
Here is the Braves’ full batting order, courtesy of @UnderdogMLB:
Braves 8/7: “R. Acuña Jr. RF D. Baldwin DH O. Albies 2B M. Olson 1B M. Dubón CF L. Thomas LF A. Riley 3B S. Murphy C H. Kim SS T. Mahle SP”
R. Acuña Jr. RF D. Baldwin DH O. Albies 2B M. Olson 1B M. Dubón CF L. Thomas LF A. Riley 3B S. Murphy C H. Kim SS
T. Mahle SP
Some other notables include: Ha-Seong Kim getting his first start since being activated off the IL, and Sean Murphy is behind the plate for Atlanta. Matt Olson also drops one spot in the order due to Ozzie Albies being back in the lineup, and batting third against the southpaw Max Fried.
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Looking at Ronald Acuña Jr.’s 2026 Season
With his two home runs on Thursday, Acuña Jr. now has 11 on the season.
He’s also batting .244 with 27 RBI, 57 hits, and an OPS+ of 119.
Due to injuries, Ronald has only been able to play in 63 games with the Braves, but there’s no doubting his impact (and the team’s success) when he’s out on the field.
Acuña Jr. is technically tied to an eight-year, $100 million deal, which has a 2027 team option, so the Braves will have a decision to make after the season concludes.
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Atlanta Braves Announce Ronald Acuña Jr. Change Before Yankees Game