The Scouting Report: Braves vs White Sox, Game Two
Lineups, pitching matchup, bullpen status, and what to watch this evening
It’s Atlanta Braves baseball! Let’s break down everything you need to know about this afternoon’s matchup.
Game Info
First Pitch: 7:40 PM ET
Location: Rate Field, Chicago, IL
TV: BravesVision
Radio: 680 AM/93.7 FM The Fan; La Mejor 1600/1460/1130 AM
Weather: courtesy of @BravesWeather on Twitter/X
Atlanta Braves Lineup
CF Michael Harris II
2B Ozzie Albies
1B Matt Olson
DH Dominic Smith
LF Mauricio Dubón
3B Austin Riley
RF Mike Yastrzemski
SS Jorge Mateo
C Austin Wynns
Quick thoughts:
With Ronald Acuña Jr. on the injured list for at least ten days (and potentially/likely for longer), Michael Harris II gets the first crack at leading off for the Braves.
Chicago White Sox Lineup
2B Chase Meidroth
DH Randal Grichuk
3B Miguel Vargas
C Edgar Quero
RF Braden Montgomery
LF Derek Hill
1B Jacob Gonzalez
SS Luisangel Acuña
CF Tristan Peters
Quick thoughts:
Shortstop Colson Montgomery is missing another day with his balky back, while Randal Grichuk checks into the starting lineup against a lefty on the mound for Atlanta.
Pitching Matchup
Braves Starter: LHP Chris Sale (8-4, 2.23)
Quick snapshot:
2.23 ERA / 3.33 xERA / 2.88 FIP
29.3% K / 6.5% BB / 22.8% K-BB%
Pitch mix:
vs LHH: 42% slider, 31% sinker, 25% four-seamer, 2% changeup
vs RHH: 44% four-seamer, 41% slider, 15% changeup, <1% sinker
Who to watch:
Only two hitters on Chicago’s roster have faced Sale, which is wild to think about when you consider that he lost to them just two seasons ago. (Neither of those guys was on the roster that season, either)
Drew Romo is 0-3, while Randal Grichuk is hitting .222 with two homers and three RBI.
Opposing Starter: RHP Davis Martin (8-2, 2.61 ERA)
Quick snapshot:
2.61 ERA / 3.65 xERA / 2.45 FIP
25.3 K% / 5.9 BB% / 19.4% K-BB%
The arsenal:
Four-seamer (26%, 94.2 mph)
Sinker (17%, 92.9 mph)
Changeup (17%, 90.4 mph)
Slider (15%, 87.3 mph)
Cutter (13%, 89.5 mph)
Curveball (12%, 82.0 mph)
How he attacks hitters (all graphics courtesy of Thomas Nestico)
vs LHH: Well-rounded five-pitch mix that ramps up changeup usage when ahead and both cutters and sinkers usage when behind. No noteworthy utilization trend with two strikes.
vs RHH: Slider-dominant three-pitch mix that cuts sinker usage when ahead and with two strikes in favor of sliders and cuts both slider and four-seam usage in favor of sinkers when behind.
Sequencing:
How to read a plinko chart: Each circle represents the usage of a pitcher’s arsenal in a given count (color key is on the bottom of the graphic). The thickness of the connecting lines reflects how often each count occurs, helping show how a pitcher navigates an at-bat.
What This Means for the Braves
Very small sample size for Atlanta off of Martin - only four Braves have ever faced him, with only Mike Yastrzemski (2-4) and Jorge Mateo (1-1, two-run homer) having hits off of the righty.
Braves Bullpen Status
Likely available:
Dylan Lee and Didier Fuentes were both intentionally down last night, per manager Walt Weiss, to give them an extended break after a week of heavy usage. Presumably, they’re back today.
Used recently:
Robert Suarez (seven pitches) and Raisel Iglesias (24 pitches) both went yesterday but based solely on pitch counts, should be able to come back today if needed.
Potential limitations
Dylan Dodd’s 31-pitch outing likely means he’s down for a day or so.
Quick takeaway:
The Braves should have the backend pieces they need to seal a win…but then again, we thought that yesterday.
Opponent Bullpen Status
Likely available:
Lefty Sean Newcomb and the combo of Trevor Richards and Bryan Hudson all project to be fresh and available.
Used recently
Three different relievers threw more than 20 pitches on Tuesday, and it’s possible they’re almost all available this evening if needed by Chicago.
Potential limitations
The obvious exception here is Tyler Gilbert, who was placed on the injured list with a left shoulder impingement.
Quick takeaway:
Chicago has the guys they need to hold a lead if they have one late.
What to Watch Today
Can the Braves give Chris Sale some run support? It’s been easier said than done recently.
How does Atlanta fare against a well-sequenced starter in Martin? That’s not been the easiest matchup for them this season, for whatever reason.
Final Thought
The Braves are favored today (FanDuel) in what’s expected to be a very low-scoring game (O/U 7 runs). Which offense can get to the opposing starter first?
Let’s Talk About It
If you’d like to also watch this, here’s the Braves Today live stream from this afternoon, after lineups were announced.