Braves repeat series-opening lineup in series finale against Cubs

TL;DR

The Atlanta Braves are set to use the same lineup against the Chicago Cubs in their series finale, aiming for a sweep. Key players Mike Yastrzemski and Dominic Smith are back in the lineup after strong performances.

Key points

Braves aim for a sweep against the Cubs
Same lineup as previous game against Cubs
Mike Yastrzemski and Dominic Smith key players

Colin ReaShota ImanagaAtlanta BravesChicago Cubs

ATLANTA, GA - MAY 12: Mike Yastrzemski #18 of the Atlanta Braves rounds the bases during the game between the Chicago Cubs and the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park on Tuesday, May 12, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kathryn Skeean/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images The Atlanta Braves are going for a sweep against the Chicago Cubs, which would cap off a fantastic six-game stretch if the Braves were able to pull it off. Things went well enough against right-handed Cubs starter Colin Rea in the first game and after shaking things up against the lefty Shota Imanaga in the second game, the Braves are going back to their usual lineup meant for right-handed pitchers. That means that Mike Yastrzemski and Dominic Smith are back in the lineup and Drake Baldwin is catching. Here’s the rest of the lineup: As I mentioned in the title, this lineup is identical to the one that they trotted out there for their matchup against the Cubs on Tuesday and hopefully, it’ll be just as successful. Mike Yastrzemski in particular was successful, as he picked up two hits (including a homer) and three RBI on Monday and then he added on another big hit as a pinch-hitter in Wednesday’s win. He’s doing pretty well against the Cubs in this series and here’s hoping that he can keep it up. Dominic Smith will also be looking to pick up where he left off on Monday, which is when he delivered a four-hit game. His pinch-hit effort was unsuccessful on Wednesday but maybe we’ll see something different here on Thursday night. The Cubs lineup has yet to be released and we’ll update this post once they release theirs. With that being said, that won’t stop us from talking about Atlanta’s lineup since this is a Braves blog, after all. What do y’all think? Does it look good enough to complete a sweep?

Q&A

What is the Atlanta Braves' lineup for the series finale against the Cubs?

The Braves' lineup includes Mike Yastrzemski, Dominic Smith, and Drake Baldwin, mirroring the lineup used in their previous matchup against the Cubs.

How did Mike Yastrzemski perform in the previous games against the Cubs?

Mike Yastrzemski had two hits, including a homer and three RBI in the first game, and contributed another significant hit as a pinch-hitter in the second game.

What are the stakes for the Braves in the series finale against the Cubs?

The Braves are looking to complete a sweep against the Cubs, which would cap off a successful six-game stretch.