Drake Baldwin back behind plate for Braves’ series finale at Nationals

TL;DR

Drake Baldwin returns as catcher for the Braves in their series finale against the Nationals after a two-day break. His return allows Dominic Smith to resume his designated hitter role.

Key points

Drake Baldwin returns as catcher for the Braves
Dominic Smith resumes designated hitter role
JR Ritchie makes major league debut for the Braves
Braves face Nationals in series finale
Smith has 17 RBIs in 18 games this season

Drake BaldwinAtlanta BravesDominic SmithMichael Harris II

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 17: Drake Baldwin #30 of the Atlanta Braves looks on during a game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on April 17, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images) | Getty Images After a two-day hiatus as a designated hitter, Drake Baldwin is back behind the plate and catching the Braves’ series finale at Washington Thursday afternoon. No doubt it’s smart to sneak in some days off and this stretch of 10 games in as many days certainly takes a toll. But it’s good for the Braves to have Baldwin behind the dish once more as it paves the path for Dominic Smith’s return to the lineup and designated hitter role on Thursday. Smith, after playing in nine of 10 games earlier this month, has been on the bench in each of the last two. He’s hitting seventh Thursday and will look to continue to add to his gaudy RBIs rate of 17 in 18 games this season. Michael Harris II remains in the sixth hole for the second straight night after homering twice on Wednesday, and Mike Yastrzemski is all the way down to the nine spot in the order as he looks to break out of his extended slump to begin his Braves tenure. Yastrzemski is one of only two current Braves who has faced Washington starter Cade Cavalli. He’s 0-for-3 against him with a strikeout. Bench player is the other and has had more success, going 2-for-3 with a double against Cavalli, who will be making his first start against Atlanta. The Nationals shuffled some players and the batting order from Wednesday’s lineup. DH José Tena (0-for-8 with four strikeouts in this series) was moved up from the eighth spot in the lineup to third. Third baseman is getting an off day, replaced by , who moves over from second base and will hit eighth. Nasim Nuñez (.181 average but 10 stolen bases in 22 games this season) is filling in at second base and hitting seventh. Considering 22-year-old right-hander JR Ritchie is making his major league debut on the mound for the Braves, no one in the Nationals lineup has ever faced him before at this level. The lineup presents a tougher task for Ritchie that one would think based on recent production in this series.

Q&A

Why is Drake Baldwin back behind the plate for the Braves?

Drake Baldwin is back behind the plate to provide depth and support for the Braves during a demanding stretch of games.

What impact does Baldwin's return have on Dominic Smith's role?

Baldwin's return allows Dominic Smith to take on the designated hitter role again after being benched for two games.

Who is making their major league debut for the Braves against the Nationals?

22-year-old right-hander JR Ritchie is making his major league debut for the Braves in the game against the Nationals.

Drake Baldwin back behind plate for Braves’ series finale at Nationals

TL;DR

Key points

Q&A

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