ATLANTA, GEORGIA – MARCH 27: Manager Walt Weiss #4 of the Atlanta Braves looks on during batting practice prior to facing the Kansas City Royals at Truist Park on March 27, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
The Atlanta Braves are 2-0 to start the season! And Atlanta captured a 6-2 victory on Saturday night thanks to a huge walk-off Grand Slam by newcomer Dominic Smith.
Now, Atlanta will go for the sweep over the Kansas City Royals on Sunday afternoon, but Braves manager Walt Weiss has made an important lineup decision before the series finale.
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Mauricio Dubon Sitting in Series Finale
GettyATLANTA, GEORGIA – MARCH 28: Mike Yastrzemski #18 (left) and Mauricio Dubón #14 approach Eli White #36 of the Atlanta Braves at home plate after White scored the winning run on a Dominic Smith grand slam in the bottom of the ninth inning of a game against the Kansas City Royals at Truist Park on March 28, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Edward M. Pio Roda/Getty Images)
The Atlanta Braves have released their game three lineup against the Royals on Sunday.
One notable omission is Mauricio Dubon, who is out of the lineup for Sunday’s contest.
Jorge Mateo will take Dubon’s place at shortstop, and he will hit ninth.
The Braves traded for Dubon in early November, and after Ha-Seong Kim’s hand injury, Dubon will likely get many of the at-bats and reps at short. He’s an exceptional defender, and anything Dubon can provide with the bat is a plus.
Dubon started at shortstop in the first two games of the season and has gone 1-for-4 with a double, a walk and two RBI.
He is a two-time Gold Glove winner and has a World Series ring with the Houston Astros.
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Atlanta Braves Off to Good Start in 2026
I’m sure all of Braves Country is sick and tired of hearing about the 0-7 start to the 2025 season.
Well, the present is now, and the Atlanta Braves are off to a solid 2-0 start.
There have been two very solid outings by starters Reynaldo Lopez and Chris Sale, and the timely hitting seems to have returned to this Braves club.
Atlanta was being shut out for eight innings on Saturday night before exploding for six runs in the ninth inning.
Royals’ closer Carlos Estevez had a really hard time throwing strikes, and he ultimately left one right over the middle for Dom Smith to crush.
The Braves are looking for the sweep against Kansas City on Sunday afternoon.
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