As an offensive slump continues for the Braves, Tuesday’s lineup reflects a team trying a number of different things to try and figure things out in the second game of Atlanta’s series at the San Diego Padres.
Michael Harris II, who hit fifth in each of his three games since returning from another brief absence due to lower back discomfort, is back atop the lineup for Tuesday’s 9:40 p.m. EDT game at Petco Park.
Mauricio Dubón, who has been atop the lineup, takes Harris’ fifth spot in the lineup and will hold down the shortstop spot.
The Braves also moved Drake Baldwin, who is 1-for-25 with 15 strikeouts since homering in his first at-bat off his injured list stint, down from his customary second spot in the lineup to sixth while he works his way out of the slump.
Additionally, Rowdy Tellez will make his first start with the Braves as the designated hitter in the No. 8 lineup spot after he made five pinch-hit appearances in his first five games with Atlanta since he was promoted earlier this month.
That is happening because the Braves are playing a usual DH candidate in Dominic Smith in the field. He’ll hit cleanup and make his first start in left field since he was with the Mets in 2021.
The Padres are using Wandy Peralta as an opener, but are expected to use right-hander Griffin Canning (1-5, 6.64 ERA) as their bulk pitcher Tuesday.
Most of the Braves’ lineup hasn’t faced Canning much, considering he’s made just two career starts against Atlanta. Harris and Austin Riley are each tied for the second-most at-bats on the roster against Canning with four apiece.
Matt Olson, though, has extensive experience against Canning, dating back to each of their time in the American League West. Olson is only 4-for-19 (.211) against Canning, but has two homers, a double and three RBIs. Those are the only two Braves homers against Canning, but other batters have had more success against him, with a combined .303 batting average and .488 slugging percentage against him.
The Padres made less sweeping changes to their lineup, but did move Samad Taylor up from ninth in the order to second. Gavin Sheets replaces Ty France at first base after DHing Monday, and Sung-Mun Song is in at second base and hitting ninth.
No Padres hitters have faced Braves starter JR Ritchie, who is making his eighth career appearance (seventh start) and his second in a row against a National League West team.
It seems like runs may be a bit easier to come by this time on both sides with the pitching matchup at play. Does that work in the Braves’ favor to force a Wednesday rubber match?
