Middle of the order shuffle: Michael Harris II fifth and Austin Riley sixth to open homestand versus Philadelphia

TL;DR

Michael Harris II will bat fifth and Austin Riley sixth as the Atlanta Braves open their homestand against the Philadelphia Phillies. Harris is on a five-game RBI streak, while Riley is one RBI away from his 500th career RBI.

Key points

Michael Harris II batting fifth in the lineup
Austin Riley batting sixth, with 499 career RBIs
JT Realmuto placed on the IL for the Phillies

Michael Harris IIAustin RileyAtlanta BravesPhiladelphia Phillies

WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 22: Michael Harris II #23 of the Atlanta Braves celebrates in the dugout hitting a solo home in in the third inning during the baseball game against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on April 22, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) | Getty Images After yesterday’s injury scare and early exit, all looks well and truly precautionary for Michael Harris II. And thank goodness, because he has been an absolute machine at the plate and is rocking a streak of at least 1 RBI in five straight games. How and when did this torrid stretch begin? Five games ago was when he was a menace on Sunday Night Baseball, where he tallied a homer, two singles and a walk against tonight’s starter Andrew Painter and the relievers that followed. Stay hot with that paternal excellence, Money Mike! Michael and his hopefully-normal left quad will not only be in his usual spot in center, he’s moving on up in the order and will bat fifth tonight. Sandwiching him on either side will be Ozzie Albies (in the cleanup spot) and Austin Riley (in sixth, the lowest spot we’ve seen him in this season). Speaking of Riley… he’s sitting on 499 career RBI. How do we think he’ll drive in #500? The have made some roster changes since we saw them. Catcher JT Realmuto officially hit the IL with back spasms, making their primary catcher. They tried it one last time with , but even after using an opener his last outing, he struggled and they released him. And making the trip with the team is , who will make his season debut tomorrow night. Their lineup is only slightly different from the last time they were behind Andrew Painter (more on the pitching matchup ). will make his second start at catcher since being recalled and bat ninth. and will swap to bat sixth and seventh, respectively. Grant’s World Series might be retiring in any form (Harper has one hit and three walks to make his OPS vs Holmes start with a **2**). But is also a formidable matchup. Although the Phillies fell to the in extras yesterday, García did make things interesting with a pinch-hit game-tying home run in the top of the ninth. A fun note from the Braves comms team… The Braves have not won four straight over the Phillies to open a season since 2007. Could be a nice night for it.

Q&A

What is Michael Harris II's current performance streak?

Michael Harris II is on a streak of at least 1 RBI in five straight games.

How many career RBIs does Austin Riley have?

Austin Riley currently has 499 career RBIs and is looking to drive in his 500th.

What changes have the Philadelphia Phillies made to their lineup?

The Phillies have placed catcher JT Realmuto on the IL and will have Rafael Marchán as their primary catcher.

Middle of the order shuffle: Michael Harris II fifth and Austin Riley sixth to open homestand versus Philadelphia

TL;DR

Key points

Q&A

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