With the news yesterday that Alex Verdugo was getting called up, Atlanta Braves fans were eager to see if he could provide the offense a much needed boost. However, another reason why Braves fans were watching closely for Friday’s lineup versus the Twins was surrounding Marcell Ozuna who just missed the team’s series against the Blue Jays with a hip issue.

The Braves’ off day went by without much of an update on Ozuna, but it was at least heartening to see the team not take the opportunity to put him on the IL when they recalled Verdugo. That faith was rewarded on Friday as Ozuna is indeed back in the Braves’ lineup hitting third while Verdugo is leading off for his Braves debut.

Marcell Ozuna is back, Alex Verdugo leading off in Braves’ new look lineup vs Twins

There has been a lot of lineup speculation about where Verdugo would hit, but giving him a chance at leadoff makes a lot of sense. Verdugo has generally performed well there especially in terms of just getting on base. This allows the Braves to move Harris down in the lineup where he is generally more comfortable and gives the heart of the order more chances to do damage.

The biggest news of the day is Ozuna’s return, though. We don’t have word yet as to whether Ozuna is 100% or the exact nature of his injury, but it is a positive sign that Atlanta was willing to throw him right back into the fire after a three game absence.

Time will tell if this move to promote Verdugo will work out, but at least the Braves’ lineup looks like it at least could be a problem for opposing pitchers to navigate. If guys like Matt Olson and Harris could also get going, things could get really fun and once Ronald Acuna Jr. returns, fans could finally get back to seeing real Braves baseball again.