The Atlanta Braves announced a change to their batting order before Sunday’s series finale against the St. Louis Cardinals, moving third baseman Austin Riley down to the seventh spot. The decision comes as the team attempts to halt a recent slide and manage lineup construction during a season of shifting roles.
Lineup move and immediate context
Managerial adjustments for Sunday’s game in St. Louis list a lineup with D. Baldwin as the starting catcher and O. Albies at second, while Riley is slotted in the seventh spot behind designated hitter D. Smith and left fielder M. Dubón. Right-hander J. Ritchie was named the starter.
- Austin Riley moved to No. 7 in the order.
- The team entered the day coming off a 4-1 loss Saturday and looking to avoid a sweep.
- Riley’s season numbers through 94 games: .209 batting average, 71 hits, 9 home runs, 42 RBIs, 37 runs, 6 stolen bases.
Why the change matters
Riley, a member of the 2021 World Series–winning team, has seen his spot in the order fluctuate throughout the season. Moving a veteran like Riley can signal efforts to spark both individual and lineup-wide production, manage matchups against opposing pitchers, or provide different run-scoring opportunities for the club.
| Player | Position | Role Sunday |
|---|---|---|
| D. Baldwin | C | Lead-off in announced lineup |
| O. Albies | 2B | Second in order |
| A. Riley | 3B | Seventh in order |
Reaction from the baseball community
“Danny Young is being used as an opener for JR Ritchie today.” — Mark Bowman
Social media responses reflected fan frustration with the club’s recent form. Some fans contrasted the current standing with expectations earlier in the season: one user referenced a past 40-20 start that now feels distant, while others called for injured regulars to return to right field.
Local implications
For Atlanta, lineup decisions carry weight beyond a single game. The Braves remain the city’s principal professional team, and adjustments to regulars like Riley are watched closely by supporters at Truist Park and across the region. How the club manages slumps, rotations and returning players will shape not only Sunday’s outcome in St. Louis but the trajectory of the season as the team navigates the second half.
In Sunday’s contest, Riley recorded one walk and crossed the plate once as the Braves rallied for a 4-3 win, a result that halted the sweep and provided an immediate, if narrow, payoff to the club’s lineup choices.
