The Atlanta Braves enter their series against the Minnesota Twins looking to build momentum after closing out a set with the Arizona Diamondbacks on a positive note.
Following consecutive losses, the Braves responded with a 5-3 victory to salvage the series finale. That win sets the stage for Monday’s opener against the Twins, where Atlanta has already signaled a subtle but notable adjustment in its lineup.
Ronald Acuña Jr. remains a fixture in the second spot in the order, yet his role on the field will shift for this contest.
Instead of patrolling right field as he has in recent games, Acuña will serve as the designated hitter.
The move allows him to focus solely on his at-bats while Dominic Smith, who occupied the DH slot in the previous game and batted seventh, sits out entirely against Minnesota.
The rest of the batting order reflects a blend of regulars and situational choices. Drake Baldwin starts behind the plate, followed by Acuña as the DH. Matt Olson anchors first base, Michael Harris II mans center field, and Mauricio Dubón takes left. Ozzie Albies continues at second base, Mike Yastrzemski shifts to right field, Austin Riley holds down third, and Jim Jarvis rounds out the lineup at shortstop.
The configuration prioritizes Acuña’s bat while spreading defensive responsibilities across the rest of the roster.
Acuña’s 2026 campaign has been a mixed bag through 72 games. He has collected 13 home runs and 32 RBIs while hitting .244, numbers that fall short of the 21 homers, 42 RBIs, and .290 average he posted across 95 games the prior season. Still, recent form offers encouragement.
Over his last four appearances he has tallied five hits, including a double in the win over Arizona, suggesting he is finding a better rhythm at the plate just as the schedule turns toward Minnesota.
The broader picture for the Braves remains strong. Sitting atop the National League East at 74-50, they hold a comfortable 7.5-game cushion over the second-place Philadelphia Phillies.
Although they have won only five of their previous ten contests, the combination of a division lead and a potentially refreshed Acuña could prove useful as they open the series against the Twins.
Whether the DH experiment yields immediate results will be one of the more interesting storylines to watch on Monday night.
