Middle of the order shuffle: Michael Harris II fifth and Austin Riley sixth to open homestand versus Philadelphia
WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 22: Michael Harris II #23 of the Atlanta Braves celebrates in the dugout hitting a solo home in in the third inning during the baseball game against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on April 22, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) | Getty Images After yesterday’s injury scare and early exit, all looks well and truly precautionary for Michael Harris II. And thank goodness, because he has been an absolute machine at the plate and is rocking a streak of at least 1 RBI in five straight games.
How and when did this torrid stretch begin? Five games ago was when he was a menace on Sunday Night Baseball, where he tallied a homer, two singles and a walk against tonight’s starter Andrew Painter and the relievers that followed. Stay hot with that paternal excellence, Money Mike!
Michael and his hopefully-normal left quad will not only be in his usual spot in center, he’s moving on up in the order and will bat fifth tonight. Sandwiching him on either side will be Ozzie Albies (in the cleanup spot) and Austin Riley (in sixth, the lowest spot we’ve seen him in this season). Speaking of Riley… he’s sitting on 499 career RBI.
How do we think he’ll drive in #500? Back on Battery Ave 🏡 #BravesCountry pic. twitter.
com/pxtSQLCRqf — Atlanta Braves (@Braves) April 24, 2026 The Phillies have made some roster changes since we saw them. Catcher JT Realmuto officially hit the IL with back spasms, making Rafael Marchán their primary catcher. They tried it one last time with Taijuan Walker, but even after using an opener his last outing, he struggled and they released him.