The Atlanta Braves have been on quite a tear lately. They have 53 wins coming into today’s game and are still in first place in the NL East with a 6.0 game lead.
I think a part of their continuing success is due to their recent lineup swap where the Braves swapped second baseman Ozzie Albies and first baseman Matt Olson in the lineup. Albies now hits second after Acuña and Olson hits in the 4,5, or 6 hole deepening on who the Braves are facing that day.
Honestly, I really like this move. While Matt Olson is a great hitter, I believe he strikes out too much to hit in the second in the lineup. While Ozzie Albies still strikes out, like all players do, his strikeout percentage has gone down a decent amount this year.
Since being swapped in the lineup, both Albies and Olson have hit very well. Olson leads the National League in home runs, with 26 long balls, and he also leads the National league with 62 RBI’s. It’s obvious that he’s got a LOT of power in his bat.
And as for Ozzie Albies, he seems to thrive wherever he hits in the lineup. He’s one of those players that no matter where you put him – he just wants to play and will give you all he’s got in every at-bat. Albies has 18 home runs, and has 56 RBI’s which is the second most in the National League. So it’s safe to say that they are not slacking in the Atlanta lineup.
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The Atlanta Braves have been an exciting team to watch this year, and Albies and Olson have definitely contributed to the excitement! I am looking forward to seeing what they bring next to this hot-hitting team!
GO BRAVES!!
Braves Chop Chat 