A Bold Gamble In The Bottom Of The Order
The Atlanta Braves are not playing it safe for Game 3 of the NL Wild Card Series. They have made a massive change to their lineup to stop the Philadelphia Phillies from taking the series home. Per Yahoo Sports, manager Walt Weiss has penciled Mauricio Dubón into the starting role at shortstop. This decision comes after Ha-Seong Kim got two straight starts in the previous games. The Braves know they need a spark to survive this elimination game on Thursday night.
The rest of the lineup reads like a chess match against a tough Phillies rotation. Matt Olson stays at first base in the three-hole. Michael Harris II cleans up in center field. Dominic Smith gets the start as the designated hitter and bats ninth. This is a wild lineup that puts power and speed in every spot.
Why The Opener Strategy Makes Sense
Braves fans might be confused by the starting pitcher choice, but the math supports it. Ray Kerr, a left-hander, was named by the team to open the matchup against Aaron Nola in Kerr’s debut postseason outing. During the regular season, Nola finished with a 7-12 record and a 4.67 ERA. This year, Atlanta saw Kerr record a 1.47 ERA across nine games. He threw three scoreless innings as the opener against Miami back on September 25. Grant Holmes will likely throw bulk relief after Kerr to manage the middle innings.
This strategy allows the Phillies to use their best hitters early against a fresh arm. On Wednesday, the Phillies defeated the Braves 4-3 in 10 innings to set up this decisive game. Now the Braves have to match that grit with a new approach. Austin Riley, the team leader in home runs against Nola, will bat seventh. Ozzie Albies drops to eighth. The goal is simple: get through the top of the Phillies order without giving up big runs.
Trust The Process To Save The Season
I love this move because it shows the Braves are willing to break the mold to win. They are not sticking with the status quo when their season hangs in the balance. Dubón is a versatile player who can handle the pressure at shortstop. The Phillies have the same top three they have been using: Trea Turner, Kyle Schwarber, and Bryce Harper. Alec Bohm moves up to cleanup after his game-winning homer in Game 2. The Braves need to stop these hitters cold.
Walt Weiss’ club is facing a tough challenge with Bryce Harper and the rest of the order. The Braves must use every tool they have to advance. Ray Kerr has the numbers to handle the top of the order. Holmes has the bulk innings experience to keep the game close. The Phillies have Edmundo Sosa in the lineup after he exited Game 2 with an injury. He will hit seventh and play third base. Every move counts when the stakes are this high.
The game is set for 8 PM ET on Thursday. The Braves have to execute this plan perfectly to keep their hopes alive. If they fail, the season ends right there in Atlanta. This lineup and pitching plan is their best shot to move on. The fans should expect a wild night of baseball as both teams fight for survival. The Phillies are ready to close it out, but the Braves are ready to fight back with a lineup that has no weak spots.
