Despite Pete Mackanin's cautioning that Tommy Joseph will not be strictly a platoon player, Ryan Howard gets the start at first base Friday night for the second game in a row against a right-handed starting pitcher.
Howard, who ranks last among 189 qualifying major-leaguers with a .168 batting average and 187th with a .236 on-base percentage, bats cleanup against Braves righty Matt Wisler.
Howard is 2 for 26 over his last 10 games.
Odubel Herrera returns to the lineup Friday after sitting for the first time on Wednesday. And Maikel Franco is back in the three-hole after batting fifth in the series finale vs. Miami.
1. Odubel Herrera, CF
2. Cesar Hernandez, 2B
3. Maikel Franco, 3B
4. Ryan Howard, 1B
5. Cameron Rupp, C
6. Freddy Galvis, SS
7. Tyler Goeddel, LF
8. Aaron Nola, P
9. Peter Bourjos, RF
And for the Braves:
1. Ender Inciarte, LF
2. Gordon Beckham, 3B
3. Freddie Freeman, 1B
4. Nick Markakis, RF
5. Kelly Johnson, 2B
6. A.J. Pierzynski, C
7. Erick Aybar, SS
8. Matt Wisler, P
9. Mallex Smith, CF
