Emerging
Published Jun 17, 2026Updated Jun 181
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Braves Turn to JR Ritchie as They Chase Split Against Giants
The Braves sent JR Ritchie to the mound in Game 2 of a doubleheader against the Giants, aiming to earn a split after the teams completed the first game earlier in the day. Atlanta continued to shuffle its lineup because of Michael Harris II's lower-back tightness, while San Francisco made only a minor catching change.
Ritchie and Carson Whisenhunt each entered the matchup with five prior major league starts, adding to the significance of the late-night finale.
Quick Facts
- Braves tried to split a doubleheader against the Giants
- JR Ritchie started Game 2 for Atlanta
- Michael Harris II was unavailable after back tightness
- Atlanta adjusted its batting order and catching arrangement
- San Francisco made a single lineup change at catcher
The Atlanta Braves turned to rookie right-hander JR Ritchie in Game 2 of a long day against the San Francisco Giants, looking to salvage a split in a make-up doubleheader. The nightcap followed the completion of the previous game after Tuesday's contest was resumed Wednesday afternoon.
Atlanta's lineup was adjusted again because Michael Harris II remained out after leaving the first game with lower-back tightness. Drake Baldwin moved into the second spot and served as the designated hitter, Mauricio Dubon led off and played center field, and Sandy Leon handled catching duties. The Braves also added Jair Camargo as an extra roster catcher to avoid asking Baldwin to work behind the plate.
San Francisco made only one change to its lineup, replacing Eric Haase with Daniel Susac behind the plate and in the ninth spot. The Giants matched up left-hander Carson Whisenhunt against Ritchie, with both pitchers making their sixth major league start.
The Braves were trying to avoid dropping a third straight series and force a Thursday rubber match. The game was part of a tense stretch for Atlanta, which needed a strong finish after a disrupted day and a depleted lineup.
Topics
Why This Matters
This game matters because it shows how the Braves are managing a depleted lineup during a critical stretch, with key players like Michael Harris II sidelined. The performance of rookie JR Ritchie and the adjusted batting order could impact Atlanta's plans for the upcoming series and their playoff positioning. For fantasy baseball and team analysts, watching how the Braves deploy their roster depth—especially at catcher—provides insight into future lineup decisions.
Timeline & Sources
Jun 17, 2026
WireThe Braves and Giants completed 7.5 innings of the first game of their doubleheader.
Jun 17, 2026
WirePreview coverage detailed Game 2 lineups and starting pitchers for the Braves-Giants doubleheader.