Michael Harris II will hit cleanup as the Atlanta Braves begin their series against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Few would have predicted before the season that the Braves would have a better record than the Dodgers going into this series.
Harris’s Role in the Braves’ Success
The Braves’ success is partly down to the offensive rebounds of key players. Michael Harris, Ozzie Albies, and Dominic Smith have all seen their offensive performances improve.
Steady contributions from Matt Olson and Drake Baldwin have also played a part.
Facing Emmet Sheehan
The Braves will face Emmet Sheehan, who debuted in 2023. That was the only season he faced the Braves.
No player on the Braves roster in 2023 has faced Sheehan in more than two at-bats. Ozzie Albies got a hit both times he faced Sheehan.
Harris’s Fitness and Lineup Considerations
Michael Harris will be in centre field. This allows Walt Weiss to put together the optimal lineup that would include Dominic Smith.
We have seen Harris play left field to give his quad some rest, but ideally, he should be in centre field defensively if he is healthy. The lineup may provide an indication of what the standard lineup will be versus both left-handed and right-handed pitchers.
Dominic Smith is getting the DH nod.
Braves vs. Dodgers Pitching Matchup
Chris Sale is on the mound for the Braves. Despite being a seasoned veteran, the Dodgers’ players don’t have many at-bats against him.
Teoscar Hernández leads the team with eighteen at-bats. Freddie Freeman has had success in nine at-bats with an OPS of 1.222, and Hernández has a .818.
Shohei Ohtani has an OPS of .708 in eight at-bats. The edge appears to go to Chris Sale here.