Jorge Mateo gets the start and Mike Yastrzemski moves down the lineup

TL;DR

Jorge Mateo will start at shortstop for the Atlanta Braves against the Washington Nationals, while Mike Yastrzemski has been moved down to ninth in the lineup. The Braves and Nationals are both among the top three MLB offenses in runs scored per game.

Key points

Jorge Mateo starts at shortstop for the Braves
Mike Yastrzemski moved down to ninth in the lineup
Braves and Nationals are top three MLB offenses
Braves scoring 5.55 runs per game
First pitch at 6:45 EDT

Atlanta BravesWashington Nationals

ATLANTA, GA - APRIL 12: Jorge Mateo #2 of the Atlanta Braves scores a run in the second inning during the game against the Cleveland Guardians at Truist Park on April 12, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Matthew Grimes Jr./Atlanta Braves/Getty Images) | Getty Images The Atlanta Braves will be facing off against the Washington Nationals tonight in a battle of two of top three offenses in MLB right now in terms of runs scored per game. The Braves are scoring 5.55 runs per game and the Nats are scoring 5.50. This matchup will feature five hitters in the top thirty in the NL in wRC+. CJ Abrams in currently number two in the NL with Michael Harris rounding out the top thirty. With the Nats’ starter Jake Irvin being a RHP, it could be assumed that we will see a lineup that features the red hot Dom Smith, but what we did not know for certain is if Walt Weiss will be resting any of the starters. He has been doing that this season seemingly more than Brian Snitker did. We knew Matt Olson would not be sitting, but he has struggled against Irvin in his sixteen at-bats with a .188 average and .610 OPS. has a .333 average against Irvin in his six at-bats, but only a .666 OPS. The player to keep an eye on is Michael Harris who leads the team with eighteen at-bats against Irvin and has been successful. He has a .389 average and .950 OPS against him. It turns out that will be getting the night off as Jorge Mateo will be getting the nod at SS. We also have some other movements of note. has been moved down to ninth while he is waiting to get into a groove, and red hot Michael Harris has been moved up to sixth in the lineup. It is nice to see that Walt Weiss is not stuck on a certain lineup and will play the hot hand and move certain players around. For the Nationals, CJ Abrams has had no trouble against in his career. In his fifteen at-bats against him, he has a .400 average and .905 OPS. In fact, five of the seven players to have faced Elder before have an OPS of .800 or better. The difference is this is arguably the best version of Bryce Elder we have ever seen. The Nationals red hot offense will be a real test to see if Elder is for real. Every pitcher has an off night every once in awhile. We saw it with recently. But, Elder could also prove tonight that he can slow down a potent lineup. The key will be slowing down Abrams and , who has hit a HR off of Elder already in his young career. First pitch is at 6:45 EDT.

Q&A

Why is Jorge Mateo starting for the Braves against the Nationals?

Jorge Mateo is starting at shortstop to replace Mauricio Dubón, who is getting the night off.

What impact does Mike Yastrzemski's lineup change have on the Braves?

Mike Yastrzemski's move to ninth in the lineup is intended to help him regain his hitting groove as the team adjusts its batting order.

How do the Braves and Nationals compare in offensive performance?

Both teams are among the top three in MLB, with the Braves scoring 5.55 runs per game and the Nationals at 5.50 runs per game.