Mike Yastrzemski returns to lineup and hopes to get going for Braves against Nationals

TL;DR

Mike Yastrzemski returns to the Braves' lineup as starting left fielder against the Nationals, aiming to improve his slow start this season. Manager Walt Weiss is giving him the opportunity to face Zack Littell for the first time.

Key points

Mike Yastrzemski returns to Braves' lineup
Yastrzemski batting eighth against Zack Littell
Austin Riley and Ronald Acuña Jr. have homered off Littell

Mike YastrzemskiAtlanta BravesWashington NationalsAustin Riley

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 19: Mike Yastrzemski #18 of the Atlanta Braves bats against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on April 19, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Braves defeated the Phillies 4-2. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) | Getty Images While a lot of the regulars for the Braves have started to really get going at the plate, there are still a smal handful of players who are scuffling about while looking to finally get a foothold on this current season of baseball. One of those regulars is Mike Yastrzemski, who has gotten off to a slow start as an outfielder for the Braves so far. That won’t stop Walt Weiss from providing him opportunities to get going, as the manager has Yaz in there in the lineup as the starting left fielder and batting eighth against right-hander Zack Littell and the Washington Nationals. Additionally, Mauricio Dubón continues to start at shortstop after starting on Tuesday and getting a day off on Monday against the right-hander Jake Irvin. Jonah Heim is playing catcher for another day as well while continues to get ABs as the DH. Right now, the pattern appears to be that if Baldwin catches, will be the designated hitter and if Baldwin DHs then Jonah Heim will be the starter. We’ll see if that continues once Murphy eventually makes his return in lieu of Heim. This’ll be Yaz’s first time facing off against Littell and hopefully this’ll be what he needs to start getting into a groove. Meanwhile, and have both homered off of Littell in the past, so hopefully we’ll see a bit more of that later this evening. I will update this post with the Nationals lineup once it arrives but for now, what do y’all think of the lineup for tonight? Will Yaz get it going? Will Riley and Acuña add to their home run tally against Littell?

Q&A

What is Mike Yastrzemski's current performance with the Braves?

Mike Yastrzemski has had a slow start to the season as an outfielder for the Braves.

Who is starting for the Braves against the Nationals?

The Braves' lineup features Mike Yastrzemski as the starting left fielder, batting eighth, along with Mauricio Dubón at shortstop and Jonah Heim as catcher.

How have Austin Riley and Ronald Acuña Jr. performed against Zack Littell?

Both Austin Riley and Ronald Acuña Jr. have homered off Zack Littell in previous matchups.