Happy Easter to all who celebrate!
We are back with Sunday baseball on the West Coast, as the Braves take on the Diamondbacks for the series finale, hoping to secure the win.
The roster has been released for both teams.
Martín Pérez is taking the hill for his first career start with the Braves, with a solid squad behind him to handle offense.
Ronald Acuña Jr. has yet to go yard this season, with only one run accounted for. Maybe this time, leading off as the designated hitter will produce different results, as hitting will be his primary focus, eliminating the field work for the day. Eli White is taking over that area in right field and batting ahead of Jorge Mateo, who’s set to occupy shortstop. Mike Yastrzemski is moving up to the fourth slot, and Michael Harris II is following behind at fifth.
Mauricio Dubón is also making a return and taking over third base, giving Austin Riley, who’s been producing a .497 OPS lately, the day off.
The Diamondbacks roster has also been set.
The first three slots have stayed consistent throughout the series, with some shifts in the remaining holes. Carlos Santana has returned to occupy first base, moving Jose Fernandez—a Dbacks fan-favorite— over to DH and batting fifth in the lineup. Tim Tawa and James McCann, who were absent from yesterday’s start, are also making a return to close out the series, with Brandon Pfaadt hoping to improve his start as he takes the mound.
The Braves are looking to secure their third consecutive series win, while the Diamondbacks are going for the split before both teams hit the road. Let’s see how the chips fall in this finale.
First pitch is set for 4:10 p.m. EDT.