The Braves’ lineup was going to be different Thursday against the Nationals anyway, because Washington was starting left-hander Scott Olsen. That usually would mean that right-handed-hitting Matt Diaz would start in left field and left-handed-hitting center fielder Nate McLouth would bat eighth. And that was, indeed, how the lineup looked.

But catcher Brian McCann and right fielder Jason Heyward were on the bench. That isn’t how the lineup normally looks.

Heyward, who came out of Wednesday’s game with a sore right groin, didn’t start Thursday as a precaution. He did swing in the cage before the game but said he wouldn’t be prepared to play in the field for a few days.

He was available for duty as a pinch hitter, and he came through in a clutch spot. View full post on Yahoo! Sports – MLB – Atlanta Braves News