Atlanta Braves probable pitchers and starting lineups vs. Pittsburgh Pirates, May 25

The Atlanta Braves will look to rebound after they were routed last night by a prolific Pirates offense. There wasn’t a ton for Braves fans to be positive about last night, but superstar Ronald Acuna Jr. homering is a silver lining from last night’s game.

The fifth spot in the Atlanta rotation continues to be a black hole for the club. Things looked to be better after top prospect, AJ Smith-Shawver’s excellent start in Chicago. However, Smith-Shawver will now miss time with a grade two oblique strain, so the Braves are still looking for an answer at the backend of the rotation.

The good news for Braves fans today is that are sending out one of their brightest stars this season as they search for their first win in Pittsburgh. Let’s take a look at the pitching matchup and starting lineups for this afternoon’s ballgame.

Probable starting pitchers for Braves vs. Pirates

Reynaldo Lopez (2-1, 1.54 ERA) has easily surpassed expectations over the first couple months of the season. His sub-2.00 ERA is good for third in baseball behind Shota Imanaga of the Cubs and Ranger Suarez of the Phillies. This will be Lopez’s first start against the Pirates since 2018, so most of the lineup will be seeing him for the first time.

Mitch Keller (5-3, 3.84 ERA) has been the anchor of the Pirates rotation the last couple of seasons. Although, he may not be the ace of the staff anymore now that top prospect Paul Skenes is in town, Keller still is a very effective big league pitcher. He has great movement on his breaking stuff, and does an above average job of limiting walks. Keller can get into trouble with his four-seamer at times, as hitters have a .451 xSLG against his heater.