If a loss happens on Apple TV (and after midnight), did it really ever happen?
The bullpen choices of Walt Weiss are unknowable, but the lineup is largely predictable. For tonight’s contest, he’s running with the same 1-5 as last night. Drake Baldwin remains in the cleanup spot but will DH. Joey Bart, the only Brave to have a homer off Matthew Liberatore in seven plate appearances, will catch for Reynaldo López and bat eighth. Austin Riley moves up a spot to hit sixth. Jorge Mateo gets the start over
Jim Jarvis in the nine-hole and at shortshop.
Mike Yastrzemski was going to sit in favor of Eli White anyway versus the lefty Liberatore, but he has been swinging it well in the month of July. Unfortunately, the baseball gods have come to collect. His left elbow inflammation has landed him on the IL in a host of roster moves announced this afternoon.
TL;DR:
- IL: Yaz
- Recalled: Owen Murphy, Brewer Hicklen
- Optioned: James Karinchak
- Outrighted: José Azócar
- Rehab: AJ Smith-Shawver to Triple-A
The Cardinals are keeping their recently-extended rookie JJ Wetherholt in the leadoff spot followed by Iván Herrera at catcher and batting second. Alec Burleson moves up to hit third, bumping Jordan Walker to fourth. Last night’s pinch hitters Lars Nootbar, Bryan Torres, and Nathan Church will get the start today in left field, DH, and center field, respectively.
What variety of Braves baseball awaits us tonight? Who, if anyone, will be the beneficiary of some devil magic? Can we please win a series before the break?
López vs. Liberatore starts at 7:15 pm ET on BravesVision.
