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Austin Riley will bat seventh and start at third base when the Atlanta Braves open their National League Wild Card Series against the Philadelphia Phillies on Tuesday, September 29, at Truist Park. The lineup decision arrives ahead of a high-pressure postseason matchup featuring two familiar National League East rivals.
First pitch is scheduled for 2:15 p.m. Eastern time. Atlanta will send veteran left-hander Chris Sale to the mound, while Philadelphia is expected to counter with left-hander Jesus Luzardo. Both teams have officially revealed their starting lineups, setting the stage for an important Game 1.
Braves Reveal Austin Riley’s Critical Wild Card Role
Riley’s placement in the seventh spot is not entirely unexpected, but it remains one of the more closely watched details in Atlanta’s batting order. The third baseman has endured a difficult offensive season, and the Braves are hoping his power can return at the most important point of the year.
The Atlanta lineup features several notable names ahead of Riley, including Ronald Acuña Jr., Matt Olson, Mauricio Dubón, Michael Harris II and Ozzie Albies. Mike Yastrzemski is starting at designated hitter, while Ha-Seong Kim is set to play shortstop.
- Drake Baldwin: catcher
- Ronald Acuña Jr.: right field
- Matt Olson: first base
- Mauricio Dubón: left field
- Michael Harris II: center field
- Ozzie Albies: second base
- Austin Riley: third base
- Mike Yastrzemski: designated hitter
- Ha-Seong Kim: shortstop
According to the lineup information reported by Heavy, Atlanta is also leaning on Albies’ strong history against left-handed pitching. The choice to use Yastrzemski at designated hitter could reflect the Braves’ expectation that Luzardo may not work deep into the game, creating an opportunity for Atlanta’s lineup to attack Philadelphia’s bullpen.
Why Austin Riley’s October Opportunity Matters
Riley’s regular-season numbers were well below his established standard. He appeared in 159 games and recorded 566 at-bats, batting .219 with 124 hits, 21 doubles, 19 home runs and 72 runs batted in. He also scored 64 runs and finished with a career-low 80 OPS+.
Those statistics explain why the Braves are likely searching for production throughout the lineup rather than relying on one player. Even so, Riley remains one of Atlanta’s most dangerous power hitters. A single extra-base hit or timely home run could quickly change the tone of a postseason game.
The seventh spot may give Riley a favorable opportunity. With proven hitters batting ahead of him, he could come to the plate with runners on base and face a Philadelphia pitching staff under immediate pressure. If the Phillies choose to work around the top of Atlanta’s order, Riley could become an important part of the Braves’ response.
Can Riley Turn Around His Season?
October baseball often creates a clean slate for struggling players. Riley’s disappointing regular season is part of the larger story, but it does not determine what happens in a best-of-three playoff series. The Braves need him to make quality contact, control the strike zone and provide some of the power that has made him a central figure in Atlanta’s lineup.
His matchup with Luzardo will be closely followed, particularly because both clubs are using left-handed starters in the opener. Riley’s ability to handle the early at-bats could influence how quickly Philadelphia turns to its relief corps. Once the game reaches the later innings, Atlanta may have additional chances to exploit favorable matchups.
Braves and Phillies Set for High-Stakes Opener
The Wild Card Series carries added significance because of the teams’ recent history. Atlanta and Philadelphia know each other well, and their regular-season meetings have produced plenty of intensity. With the postseason underway, every defensive play, pitching change and baserunning decision will carry extra weight.
Sale gives Atlanta an experienced starter capable of handling a difficult playoff assignment. The Braves will also benefit from playing at home, where the crowd at Truist Park is expected to create a loud atmosphere. Philadelphia, however, brings a talented roster and will look to pressure Atlanta’s pitching from the opening inning.
For Riley, the message is straightforward: the regular season is over, and a new opportunity has arrived. A strong showing could help Atlanta take control of the series while giving the third baseman renewed confidence for the games ahead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where will Austin Riley bat in Game 1?
Austin Riley will bat seventh for the Atlanta Braves in the National League Wild Card Series opener against the Philadelphia Phillies.
What position will Riley play?
Riley is scheduled to start at third base for Atlanta.
Who is starting for the Braves?
Chris Sale is scheduled to start on the mound for Atlanta in Game 1.
What were Riley’s 2026 regular-season numbers?
Riley batted .219 with 19 home runs, 72 RBIs, 21 doubles and 124 hits in 159 games. His OPS+ was 80.
When does the Braves-Phillies Wild Card opener begin?
First pitch is scheduled for 2:15 p.m. Eastern time on September 29, 2026, at Truist Park.
