The lineups are out for the third game of this four-game series between the Atlanta Braves and the Washington Nationals and the big story is that the Braves are now just a win away from going over .500 for the first time all season. They’ll be doing it with a new leadoff hitter, as you’ve judged from the headline and will see below.
Here’s Atlanta’s lineup:
So that’s a pretty interesting-looking lineup card. Eli White is leading off and at first glance, I don’t hate it. Naturally, you want a guy who can get on base regularly. Only the 2025 Walk Machine Marcell Ozuna (.424 OBP) and Drake Baldwin (.382) have a higher OBP among Braves regulars than Eli White (.347), so hopefully this’ll work out and we’ll see White be the straw that stirs the drink for the Braves tonight.
Additionally, Stuart Fairchild is making a rare start. He’s been utilized as a pinch runner and/or defensive substitute mostly since joining the Braves, so this is a rare opportunity for the outfielder to hopefully make something happen. He only has one hit in 23 plate appearances, however, so maybe expectations won’t be too high for Fairchild as he bats eighth for Atlanta tonight. That sound you’re hearing right now is a bunch of Braves fans begging for the team to stick Drake Baldwin out in left field.
We’ll add Washington’s lineup when it comes down but for now, discuss this decision amongst yourselves!