Game Preview: Braves take on Marlins in first action since clinching the division

After a celebration of accomplishing a season long goal of winning their division, the Atlanta Braves will play baseball for the first time since they popped the champagne in Philadelphia. Tonight the Braves will start their final three games with the Miami Marlins.

Normally, after a team clinches a division crown you see the manager roll out the “hangover lineup” filled with backup players so that the regulars have the luxury of a day off. However, the Braves got to celebrate their sixth consecutive NL East crown the day before an off-day. So, it is not exactly a sure thing Snitker will have Forrest Wall penciled in the starting lineup tonight.

Pitching matchup for Braves vs. Marlins

Atlanta will hand the ball to young Bryce Elder (12-4, 3.38 ERA) for his 29th start on the year. Elder is coming off a great start against Pittsburgh, in which he went seven innings of two-run ball while racking up nine strikeouts. These last few starts could be important for Elder, determining if he is trustworthy of a postseason start.

The fish will send out veteran starter Johnny Cueto (1-4, 6.15 ERA) to the mound. This season has been a rough one for Cueto as Fangraphs has him with a 6.62 FIP and -0.5 fWAR. He is also giving up 2.63 HR/9 which could really spell trouble against the team with the most homers in a season in National League history.

Hitter to watch

As I just mentioned the home run ball against Cueto definitely seems in play. So, with that in mind I’m calling a Matt Olson homer tonight to implant himself as the first player in Braves history to reach the 52 home run mark.

How to watch Braves vs. Marlins - 9/15/23

Date/Time/Location: 9/15/2023 at 6:40 PM EST at loanDepot Park

TV: Bally Sports Southeast

Radio: 680 AM/93.7 FM The Fan