The Atlanta Braves are set to begin a four-game series with the New York Mets over the weekend, which includes a wrap-around game on Monday. After dropping two of three to the St. Louis Cardinals (at home), Atlanta is 50-35, but holds just a 2.5-game lead over the Phillies for first place in the NL East.
The offense for Atlanta has been very concerning over the past two weeks, and manager Walt Weiss is being tested with his managerial decisions and lineup changes.
Speaking of lineup changes, the Braves released their game one lineup against the Mets, and it features a Michael Harris II change.
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Braves Make Michael Harris II Switch
GettyATLANTA, GEORGIA – JUNE 21: Michael Harris II #23 of the Atlanta Braves celebrates in the dugout after scoring in the fourth inning of a game against the Milwaukee Brewers at Truist Park on June 21, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Edward M. Pio Roda/Getty Images)
UnderdogMLB, as they always do, released their lineup for 7/3:
“Braves 7/3: D. Baldwin C O. Albies 2B M. Olson 1B M. Dubón LF M. Harris II CF D. Smith DH A. Riley 3B M. Yastrzemski RF J. Mateo SS G. Holmes SP”
D. Baldwin C O. Albies 2B M. Olson 1B M. Dubón LF M. Harris II CF D. Smith DH A. Riley 3B M. Yastrzemski RF J. Mateo SS
G. Holmes SP
A few notables from the Braves lineup drop: Ha-Seong Kim remains out of the lineup, and Grant Holmes is getting the start. Drake Baldwin is behind the plate to form a battery with Holmes, and Mike Yastrzemski is also getting a start with the Mets rolling out Christian Scott (RHP) as their starting pitcher.
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Michael Harris II Making Strong All-Star Campaign
GettySAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 23: Michael Harris II #23 of the Atlanta Braves celebrates after hitting an RBI double against the San Diego Padres during the second inning at Petco Park on June 23, 2026 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images)
Atlanta Braves center fielder Michael Harris II is making a strong case to be an MLB All-Star for the first time.
He’s batting .293 this season with 14 home runs, 84 hits, 37 runs scored, and an OPS+ of 124.
Many Atlanta Braves hitters have entered a slump over the past couple of weeks, but Harris II remains productive in his plate appearances and is doing everything in his power to propel the team to victory.
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Atlanta Braves Make Michael Harris II Change Before Mets Series