The Pittsburgh Pirates announced their starting lineup for Friday night's game at Truist Park and moved Marcell Ozuna into the fourth spot for the matchup against the Atlanta Braves.
The change came as the Pirates arrived at Atlanta off a 5-1 win over the Houston Astros. Ozuna finished that game with one hit and one walk as Pittsburgh looked to carry momentum into the three-game series.
Ozuna was slotted fourth for the first time since May 23, 2026. The move is notable on its face: Ozuna is in his first season with the Pirates and is hitting.190 with 33 hits, five home runs, 21 RBIs and 15 runs in 47 games.
There is added context to the lineup decision. Ozuna spent six years with the Braves earlier in his career, made the 2024 All-Star Game and has appeared over 14 total MLB seasons for the Miami Marlins, St. Louis Cardinals, Atlanta Braves and Pittsburgh Pirates. The bump up the order puts him directly into the heart of the lineup against his former club.
The friction is obvious: the Pirates elevated Ozuna into the cleanup spot despite his.190 batting average with Pittsburgh. The club's announcement does not include further explanation beyond the roster card, and the team will find out whether the move produces more consistent run production as soon as Friday's first pitch.
What comes next is the game itself at Truist Park. The lineup change is immediate and dateable; whether putting Ozuna fourth against the Braves unlocks better results for him and for the Pirates' offense is the single unresolved question entering the series opener.
