The Atlanta Braves changed their lineup for Monday night’s game against the New York Mets and put Jim Jarvis at shortstop, with Michael Harris II leading off. Drake Baldwin, who finished Sunday with two hits, a home run and four RBIs, was moved down to the fourth spot after opening in the leadoff role before the Braves’ 10-9 loss.
The move came as Atlanta tried to steady itself after dropping four of its last 10 while still sitting first in the National League East at 52-36. Baldwin’s shift is the part that stands out most: a player in the middle of a strong second season, with 64 hits, 15 home runs, 43 RBIs and a.251 average in 65 games, lost the top spot in the order even after carrying Sunday’s offense.
That is what makes Jarvis’ inclusion worth watching. The Braves did not spell out why he was starting at shortstop, so the lineup itself is the only answer available for Monday night at Truist Park. It also marked the final game of the series with the Mets, which gave the change immediate meaning rather than the feel of a long-term reset.
Jarvis was joined in the field by Harris in center, Ozzie Albies at second, Matt Olson at first, M. Dubón in left, Austin Riley at third and M. Yastrzemski in right, with Dominic Smith set as the designated hitter and R. López listed as the starter. For one night, the Braves were asking a new alignment to carry the weight of a team that still leads the division but has been uneven over the past two weeks.
