The Atlanta Braves have won seven straight games heading into Thursday night’s series finale against the Miami Marlins.
Ahead of the matchup, which will feature Janson Junk on the mound for Miami and Martin Perez for Atlanta, the Braves announced several lineup changes, including one involving first-time All-Star Drake Baldwin.
Braves Announce Baldwin Change
After starting the series opener at catcher and serving as the designated hitter in Wednesday’s game, Baldwin will return behind the plate on Thursday night.
Baldwin will also bat leadoff, while infielder Ozzie Albies gets the night off and is out of the starting lineup.
Braves 8/6
D. Baldwin C
R. Acuña Jr. RF
M. Olson 1B
M. Harris II CF
M. Dubón 2B
M. Yastrzemski LF
D. Smith DH
A. Riley 3B
J. Jarvis SSM. Pérez SP
— Underdog MLB (@UnderdogMLB) August 6, 2026
Baldwin’s 2026 Season
Baldwin is in his second MLB season, and after a strong rookie campaign that saw him hit 19 home runs and drive in 80 RBIs, he has taken another step forward.
Through 91 games and 353 at-bats this season, Baldwin is batting .272 with 96 hits, 20 home runs and 59 RBIs while slugging .462 and posting an .825 OPS.
Braves Right Now
With their current seven-game winning streak, the Braves have improved to 69-45 entering Thursday and hold an 8.5-game lead over the second-place Philadelphia Phillies in the NL East.
If the season ended today, Atlanta would own the No. 2 seed in the National League after moving ahead of the Los Angeles Dodgers, who are riding a six-game losing streak.
The Milwaukee Brewers are the only National League team with a better record. If the Braves stay ahead of the Dodgers over the final 45-plus games of the season, they would earn a first-round bye.
Atlanta Braves Announce Drake Baldwin Change During Marlins Series