SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – JULY 28: Brett Wisely #0 of the San Francisco Giants hits an RBI double scoring Mike Yastrzemski #5 in opposition to the Pittsburgh Pirates within the backside of the second at Oracle Park on July 28, 2025 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
Atlanta Braves followers needed to wait yet one more day than most MLB patrons earlier than watching their workforce’s first recreation of the season, nevertheless it’s lastly right here. The Braves are set to tackle the Kansas City Royals in a three-game set at Truist Park Friday evening, and the collection will run till Sunday afternoon.
Chris Sale will get the beginning for the Braves, and on Friday morning, lineups have been introduced. Absent from the Braves’ lineup is Mike Yastrzemski, who’s sitting in opposition to Royals’ southpaw Cole Ragans.
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Mike Yastrzemski Absent from Braves Opening Lineup
GettyMike Yastrzemski watches his solo residence run throughout a Giants recreation in opposition to the Padres on April 30, 2025.
This is the lineup the Atlanta Braves are going with for recreation 1 of 162 on Friday evening:
- RF Ronald Acuña Jr.
- DH Drake Baldwin
- 2B Ozzie Albies
- 1B Matt Olson
- 3B Austin Riley
- LF Eli White
- SS Mauricio Dubon
- C Jonah Heim
- CF Michael Harris II
Drake Baldwin is the title that pops up right here, as he’s hitting second versus a southpaw. Baldwin had a stellar spring coaching and is recent off NL ROTY honors.
This is Walt Weiss’s managerial debut, and it looks like he’s making it clear he’ll do issues otherwise this 12 months because the Braves’ new clubhouse entrance. Ozzie Albies within the three spot, and Michael Harris II hitting final.
It’s a lineup that options six right-handed hitters (together with change) in opposition to the lefty Cole Ragans.
With Chris Sale getting the nod to start out the primary recreation, it’s essential that Atlanta will get out to a quick begin in his bump days.
The Mike Yastrzemski resolution can be attention-grabbing as a result of he’s the one exterior free-agent hitter they signed who will make a huge impact on the lineup. Ragan’s is a strong pitcher, however there shall be higher lefties alongside the best way, so it’s honest to surprise what number of AB’s he’ll get in opposition to southpaws.
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Braves Opening Game Previews
The Chris Sale and Cole Ragans is certain to make this opening recreation thrilling.
After a disappointing season final 12 months, the Braves need to get off to a greater begin than in 2025, after they have been 0-7 to start out the lengthy marketing campaign.
This go round, Atlanta has the advantage of a three-game collection in its residence ballpark to start out the season, as an alternative of a seven-game highway journey out west.
With a bolstered bullpen, closing video games won’t be the problem for the Braves, however will probably be can they get to the eight and ninth innings with a lead.
After Chris Sale within the rotation, issues get rather a lot dicier from Braves starters, and the primary few weeks of the season shall be a very good indicator of how this workforce can grasp with deeper lineups.
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