The Atlanta Braves will be without two of their regulars for Wednesday’s series finale against the Chicago Cubs. Atlanta will be looking for a sweep behind Charlie Morton. Right-hander Javier Assad will get the start for Chicago.
Ronald Acuña Jr is out of the lineup for the first time this season. Michael Harris will lead off while Adam Duvall gets the start in right field. Austin Riley will miss his third straight game after experiencing soreness in his side during Sunday’s game in New York. Zack Short will make another start at third base and will hit ninth.
Acuña went 0-for-5 in Tuesday’s win and is 1-for-8 in the series. For now it feels like just a day off but we will update if needed after Brian Snitker’s pregame availability. Thursday’s off day provides an opportunity for both Acuña and Riley to get two days of rest before Friday’s series opener against the San Diego Padres.
Braves lineup 5/15 vs Cubs
1. Harris CF
2. Albies 2B
3. Ozuna DH
4. Olson 1B
5. d’Arnaud C
6. Duvall RF
7. Arcia SS
8. Kelenic LF
9. Short 3BCharlie Morton, RHP
— Kris Willis (@Kris_Willis) May 15, 2024
For the Cubs, Nico Hoerner is out of the lineup for the second straight day. Hoerner was scratched from the lineup prior to Tuesday’s game with a sore hamstring. Cody Bellinger will serve as the DH Wednesday.
Nico Hoerner is out of the lineup again today:
Tauchman 7
Suzuki 9
Bellinger DH
Morel 5
Busch 3
Mastrobuoni 6
Madrigal 4
Crow-Armstrong 8
Gomes 2Assad 1
— Maddie Lee (@maddie_m_lee) May 15, 2024
Wednesday’s game is scheduled to get underway at 7:20 p.m. ET and can be seen on Bally Sports South and MLB Network.
