Game 112 lineups: Nats at Braves

Last night was a good night for the Nationals. Not only because they won, 3-2, but because the guys who made the win possible are front-and-center members of their rebuilding effort. Josiah Gray struck out 10 over five impressive innings. Mason Thompson struck out a pair during a scoreless inning of relief. Riley Adams blasted the game-flipping homer with two outs in the top of the ninth. And Kyle Finnegan shut the door on the Braves with a 1-2-3 bottom of the ninth.

So, what's next? Well, it'll be a different tune when the Nats take the field this afternoon in Atlanta. Patrick Corbin is on the mound, and he's the opposite of a member of their rebuilding effort. He's a known commodity, and right now his stock is as low as it's been since he signed his $140 million contract with the club. It's too late for the lefty to completely salvage his season, but boy would it be nice if he could get himself somewhat on track and provide reason for optimism heading into 2022.

Juan Soto, for the third straight day, is not in the lineup. Though he pinch-hit last night, Soto told manager Davey Martinez he still "feels a twinge" in his right knee when he ran the bases. So he'll be on the bench again today. But his replacement in right field will be a new one: Josh Bell.

Yes, Bell is finally making his long-awaited return to the outfield, which he hasn't played since 2016 with the Pirates. He has been working out (mostly in left field) for weeks, and Martinez said he was looking for a time to start him out there, so he could also have Ryan Zimmerman in the lineup at first base. That time is now today against Braves lefty Max Fried.

WASHINGTON NATIONALS at ATLANTA BRAVES
Where: Truist Park
Gametime: 1:20 p.m. EDT
TV: MASN, MLB.tv
Radio: 106.7 FM, MLB.com
Weather: Partly cloudy, 84 degrees, wind 3 mph out to left field

NATIONALS
CF Victor Robles
SS Alcides Escobar
1B Ryan Zimmerman
RF Josh Bell
LF Yadiel Hernandez
3B Carter Kieboom
C Tres Barrera
2B Luis García
LHP Patrick Corbin

BRAVES
2B Ozzie Albies
RF Jorge Soler
SS Dansby Swanson
1B Austin Riley
LF Adam Duvall
3B Ehire Adrianza
CF Joc Pederson
C Kevan Smith
LHP Max Fried