The Atlanta Braves picked up a series win against the Texas Rangers on Sunday afternoon after their offensive explosion led to eight runs.
Now, on Monday, the Braves welcome the San Diego Padres into town for a four-game set. Atlanta will roll with Bryce Elder (5-6, 4.12 ERA, 86 SO) as their series-opening starter on Monday, and the Padres are going with JP Sears.
Before the Padres game, the Braves released their lineup, and with a southpaw going for San Diego, there are some notable changes, including with Michael Harris II.
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Michael Harris II Batting Fifth on Monday
GettyTAMPA, FLORIDA – APRIL 12: Michael Harris II #23 of the Atlanta Braves react after hitting a two-run home run in the ninth inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at George M. Steinbrenner Field on April 12, 2025 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
Michael Harris II has been the Atlanta Braves cleanup hitter for the last several games.
On Monday, manager Walt Weiss is opting to go with a bit of a lineup switch, which includes Michael Harris II being bumped down one spot in the batting order.
Here is the full Braves lineup for 7/20, courtesy of @UnderdogMLB:
Braves 7/20: “D. Baldwin DH O. Albies 2B M. Olson 1B A. Riley 3B M. Harris II CF M. Dubón LF J. Bart C J. Jarvis SS E. White RF B. Elder SP”
D. Baldwin DH O. Albies 2B M. Olson 1B A. Riley 3B M. Harris II CF M. Dubón LF J. Bart C J. Jarvis SS E. White RF
B. Elder SP
Some notables from the lineup drop: Austin Riley gets a big bump to the cleanup spot, while Eli White gets the start in right field, and Jim Jarvis gets another start at shortstop.
Against the left-handed Sears, there are a couple more right-handed batters in the order for the Bravos on Monday.
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Michael Harris II’s 2026 Season
GettyATLANTA, GEORGIA – JULY 17: Michael Harris II #23 of the Atlanta Braves hits a three run double during the seventh inning against the Texas Rangers at Truist Park on July 17, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
There arguably wasn’t a bigger All-Star snub across Major League Baseball than Michael Harris II, who has had a fabulous season with the Braves in his fifth MLB season.
He’s batting .301 with 18 doubles, 17 home runs, 48 runs scored, 105 hits, and an OPS+ of 126.
If the Braves are going to stave off the Phillies for the NL East crown, Michael Harris II will be a big part of it, as his solid production at the plate has already been a major catalyst for Atlanta this season.
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Braves Make Michael Harris II Switch Before Padres Game