​The Braves’ lineup for tonight’s middle game against the Pittsburgh Pirates is out, and there aren’t many surprises or shakeups to note. Michael Harris II remains at the top of the order, setting the pace as the lineup looks to maintain its customary efficiency. Austin Riley sits toward the lower end of the batting order, while the upper portion of the lineup remains imposing, leaving the middle and bottom of the order with a hopeful punch as the team looks to string together productive at-bats.
Here’s how things line up for the Braves tonight. The catcher situation is particularly interesting, yielding a notable first-time battery pairing for Grant Holmes and Joey Bart. Since Bart joined the Braves, Holmes has worked with Drake Baldwin catching in the prior three starts. Tonight, we’ll see how Holmes performs with Bart behind the plate and how Bart handles the bat in the middle of the lineup. Bart’s current hitting line since joining the Braves stands at .136/.269/.318, with a .273 wOBA and a 68 wRC+, which isn’t ideal. However, it’s worth noting that Bart’s numbers are still an improvement over the production the Braves received from their catchers in the recent past, offering a glimmer of improved offensive output from that position.
On the other side of the battery, Drake Baldwin has shown signs of his typical form as the calendar flips from June to July, raising hopes that he’ll sustain his recent improvement and contribute more consistently at the plate. The rest of Atlanta’s lineup is likewise trending in a positive direction, as the Braves appear to be regaining some of the cohesion and offensive spark that had them wandering through a rough stretch for much of the month. If Baldwin and the rest of the lineup can keep moving in the right direction, Atlanta’s offense could continue to click and help offset any pitching concerns.
We will provide the Pirates’ lineup once it’s released, but for now, mark your calendar for tonight’s game. First pitch is scheduled for 6:40 p.m. ET at PNC Park, making this a competitive midweek showdown that fans won’t want to miss. Be sure to check back here for updates on the Pirates’ lineup as soon as they announce it, and stay with us for continuous coverage and analysis throughout the game.