The stage is set as the Atlanta Braves look for a second win in this four-game series against the San Diego Padres.
Mike Yastrzemski has been added to the lineup after being reactivated coming off a forearm injury.
Against San Diego’s Walker Buehler, Yastrzemski averages a .646 OPS and .240 batting average. But, if he takes advantage of Buehler’s constant struggles at landing his pitches in the zone, Yastrzemski, along with the rest of the Braves’ offense, have the tools to come out with a win.
Matt Olson, Michael Harris II and Austin Riley have previously put up some good numbers against Buehler, all averaging over an .800 OPS, but will need to be consistent in striking while the iron’s hot. The silent bats won’t cut it, if they want to put the game away early with a qualified offensive production.
As for the Padres’ offense, they might not be as dominant as the Braves, but they sure have a variety of players on the roster who love hitting against Reynaldo López.
López’s last start against the St. Louis Cardinals wasn’t a great showing, but he does have a knack for consistency. If he can get ahead early with run-support to back him up, he’ll manage just fine.
Tune in at 7:15 p.m ET for first pitch.