Let's Play Two

Probably best to save the rookie Teheran to pitch the second game of the doubleheader, but if Fredi pitched him in Game One against the lefty Jeff Francis, the Braves could take advantage of more lefty-righty matchups. Laird will catch Teheran, putting another right-handed bat in the nightcap's lineup against righty Jon Garland. With Freddie Freeman back, Chris Johnson takes over the third base spot with his lofty batting average. Does C Johnson play both games of the twin bill, or will the Juan Francisco Experience get a start as well?

With Heyward holed up in a Denver hospital, will we see Evan Gattis' outfield debut? Since the White Bear's average has recently dipped, I foresee him batting fifth behind Freeman. This creates a better lefty/righty balance. Or would Gattis see more pitches batting ahead of Freddie? When Jordan Schafer plays, should he bat leadoff?

It's almost fortunate that Teheran's turn in the order came up during this doubleheader, since it is doubtful Gattis would've caught both games. This way Laird doesn't play any more than he has to. Fredi hinted that Uggla would return, but probably not for all 18 innings. I say ease him in slowly. Here are some possible lineups…

R…BJ Upton CF
R…Simmons SS
R…J Upton RF
L…Freeman 1B
R…Gattis C
R…C Johnson 3B
R…Uggla 2B
L…Schafer LF
L…Minor vs. Jeff Francis (L)

R…BJ Upton CF
S…Pena 2B
R…J Upton RF
L…Freeman 1B
R…Gattis LF
L…Francisco 3B
R…Simmons SS
R…Laird C
R…Teheran vs. Jon Garland (R)