The Atlanta Braves will try to put an end to a four-game losing streak Thursday night when they begin a four-game series against the New York Mets. The Braves currently hold a two-game advantage in the Wild Card race over the Mets, who have won three straight games. Chris Sale will get the start for Atlanta while New York will counter with righty Luis Severino.
The Braves have definitely done some lineup shaking up in an attempt to push through some malaise, or something. Austin Riley is back off paternity list and hitting second; the Braves’ powerful third baseman hasn’t hit second since June 9. Matt Olson moves back up into the cleanup spot, while Ramon Laureano gets the start in right field. Nacho Alvarez Jr. drops from second to seventh, which means that Eddie Rosario is both A) still starting and B) somehow still hitting sixth, despite being one of the worst players in MLB this season.
The Mets line up like this:
It’s a brand-new lineup for them against the southpaw Chris Sale, but they’ve actually used this starting nine in a different arrangement last Saturday, in what ended up being a 1-0 win over the Marlins.
First pitch from Citi Field is scheduled for 7:10 p.m. ET and can be seen on Bally Sports Southeast.
