​Today could mark the Braves’ turning point as they approach the All-Star break, with this game serving as the close of the first half of the season. JR Ritchie was originally slated to take the mound, but at the last minute Danny Young, carrying a 2.70 ERA, was added to replace him. In addition, a few roster moves were made to finalize the series against the St. Louis Cardinals.
Drake Baldwin will lead off, moving Michael Harris II down to the cleanup spot. Brewer Hicklen, who carries a .398 OPS, will start in right field and bat ninth. Jim Jarvis has returned to play shortstop, while Dominic Smith will serve as the designated hitter and bat sixth for today’s contest.
Jarvis, Austin Riley, and Smith have all posted OPS figures above 2.000 and boast batting averages over .500 against Cardinals ace Dustin May. May has shown some erratic form lately, struggling to retire early batters while repeatedly leaving pitches in the zone, a trend the Braves hope to exploit if their lineup can come alive today.
What began as a challenging matchup with Ritchie on the mound became even more uncertain after the late scratch and the addition of Young, who has appeared in just four games this season and has one loss on his ledger. The Braves are aiming to avoid a sweep and finish the series on a high note despite dropping the first two games, while the Cardinals seek their first series sweep since early June.
First pitch is scheduled for 2:15 p.m. ET, as Atlanta looks to seize momentum at a crucial juncture in the season.