The Braves shook up their lineup ahead of Game 1 in the NLDS, a somewhat surprising decision given the success of the group throughout the entire season. It didn’t work, as Atlanta was shut out for the first time since the middle of May and the first time at Truist Park in 2023.
When asked about the decision, Braves manager Brian Snitker said it was about the matchup. They knew Ranger Suarez would be on a short leash, and they hoped the changes would make things more difficult for him.
It was basically trying to make matchups more challenging for Philadelphia and more PA's for their top of the lineup guys.
Ultimately, I don't think that change was a major factor in what happened.
— Grant McAuley (@grantmcauley) October 9, 2023
I’m never a fan of making wholesale changes to something that wasn’t broken in the first place. The Braves offense was historically good this season, and one of the catalysts to the lineup taking off was the decision to switch Ozzie Albies and Matt Olson in the order. For some reason, they went away from that in Game 1.
Would it have changed the outcome? We will never know, but the Braves released their lineup for Game 2 against Zack Wheeler, and they are going back to what worked for them all season.
Game 2.#AsOneATL pic.twitter.com/n9iKKO4ID6
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) October 9, 2023
The Braves offense needs to wake up and fast, or they’ll be staring down the barrel of a 2-0 deficit before they have to hit the road for Philadelphia. Unfortunately, the task will be even more difficult tonight with Zack Wheeler on the mound, and it won’t get much easier in Game 3 against Aaron Nola.
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Photo: Photographer: David J. Griffin/Icon Sportswire
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