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Washington Nationals vs Atlanta Braves Starting Lineup — Friday, Jul 31, 2026

Friday, Jul 31, 2026Truist Park7:15 PMPreviewStarting Lineups
WSH · Away

Washington Nationals

SP: Foster Griffin · ERA 2.76
@
7:15 PM
ATL · Home

Atlanta Braves

SP: Bryce Elder · ERA 3.96
Lineups PendingAnnounced ~1–2 hrs before first pitch · 7:15 PM ET
Full matchup preview

Expected Batting Order

Official lineups not yet announced for this game. Check back closer to game time.

No lineup data available for Washington Nationals.

No lineup data available for Atlanta Braves.

◆ Matchup preview

Washington Nationals at Atlanta Braves (2026-07-31). Foster Griffin vs Bryce Elder at Truist Park.

Starters — Foster Griffin has been excellent with a 2.76 ERA, 1.03 WHIP, and 124 innings, backed by 8.2 K/9, 2.03 BB/9, and 1.23 HR/9. Over his last three starts, he allowed 3 earned runs in 6.2 innings with 2 strikeouts and 1 walk, then 1 earned run in 7 innings with 2 strikeouts and 1 walk, and 1 earned run in 7 innings with 9 strikeouts and no walks. His trend is up, and the full-season command profile supports that. Bryce Elder carries a 3.96 ERA and 1.25 WHIP across 113.2 innings, with 7.76 K/9, 2.93 BB/9, and 1.43 HR/9. In his last three starts, he worked 5 innings and gave up 1 earned run with 8 strikeouts and 4 walks, then 6 innings with 2 earned runs, 4 strikeouts, and 1 walk, then 4 innings with 3 earned runs, 3 strikeouts, and 2 walks. His trend is down, though the most recent two outings were steadier on run prevention.

Teams — Washington brings the stronger offense by the numbers, posting a .775 OPS, .254 average, and 600 runs scored. The concern for bettors is run prevention behind Griffin, as the Nationals own a 4.76 team ERA and 1.40 WHIP. They are 5-5 over their last 10 games. Atlanta’s lineup has been less productive overall with a .728 OPS, .248 average, and 531 runs, but the Braves have the clear edge on the mound as a team with a 3.71 ERA and 1.25 WHIP. Atlanta is 6-4 in its last 10, which fits the stronger overall pitching foundation.

Key facts
Foster Griffin has a 2.76 ERA and 1.03 WHIP in 124 IPWashington owns a .775 OPS and 600 runs, but a 4.76 team ERAAtlanta has a 3.71 team ERA and Bryce Elder has allowed 3 ER or fewer in each of his last 3 starts