The Atlanta Braves are staring down Game 4 tonight, needing a win to equalize their NLDS series before heading back to Los Angeles. Manager Walt Weiss isn’t messing around, rolling out another new batting order in hopes of sparking an offense that’s been, let’s just say, a little sleepy.
Braves Betting on a Big Shake-Up to Extend Their Season
This isn’t some minor tweak, folks. We’re talking about a significant shake-up with Michael Harris II leading off for Atlanta. You’ve also got Ronald Acuña Jr. returning to his spot in right field after a brief stint at DH due to a sore knee. Matt Olson’s holding down third base, and Ozzie Albies is hitting cleanup. But perhaps the most eye-catching move is Drake Baldwin dropping several spots to hit fifth as the designated hitter. Mike Yastrzemski is getting the start in left field, and Mauricio Dubón is manning shortstop. Austin Riley’s at his usual base, set to bat eighth, with Sean Murphy catching for Tyler Mahle and hitting ninth. It’s clear Weiss is looking for anything to get this team firing on all cylinders to keep their season alive.
Dodgers Ready to Counter With Their Own Firepower
Across the dugout, Dave Roberts and the Dodgers are ready with their own game plan, focusing on alternating-handedness throughout their lineup. Mookie Betts continues to lead off and play shortstop. Freddie Freeman, who’s already got two home runs off Braves starter Tyler Mahle, is moving up from third to second in the order. Will Smith is batting third and will be catching for Tyler Glasnow tonight. Shohei Ohtani’s brief time batting fifth is over, as he’s moving up to cleanup today. Teoscar Hernández is in left field and hitting fifth, followed by third baseman Max Muncy. The bottom of the order features Kiké Hernández at second base, Kyle Tucker in right field, and Andy Pages in center field. Expect Brandon Gaudin from BravesVision to be on the call tonight, filling in for Joe Davis.
The Braves have shown they can rise to the occasion when under pressure. Just last week, they pulled out a crucial Game 3 win to eliminate the Philadelphia Phillies. Can they tap into that same clutch energy tonight, grab this win, and force a Game 5 back in Los Angeles? This game is everything for them.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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