Mets at Braves Lineups Revealed: 8/12/26 NL East Showdown
Baseball Lineup Guide: Mets vs Braves Game Preview
What Is a Baseball Lineup?
Think of a baseball lineup like a batting order for a game of kickball at recess. The coach writes down 9 names in a specific order, and that’s the order everyone takes turns trying to hit the ball. Each player also has a position on the field where they stand when the other team is hitting.
Important: The first lineup shown is usually the visiting team (they bat first), and the second lineup is the home team (they bat last). In this case, the first group is likely the New York Mets and the second group is the Atlanta Braves.
Today’s Matchup: Lineups Explained
New York Mets (Visiting Team – Bats First)
| Batting Order | Player | Position | What They Do |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1⃣ | A.J. Ewing | Left Field (LF) | Catches balls hit to the left side of the outfield |
| 2⃣ | Francisco Lindor | Shortstop (SS) | Fields ground balls between 2nd and 3rd base; team captain |
| 3⃣ | Bo Bichette | Third Base (3B) | Guards the "hot corner" near third base |
| 4⃣ | Carson Benge | Right Field (RF) | Catches balls hit to the right side of the outfield |
| 5⃣ | Luis Robert | Center Field (CF) | Covers the middle of the outfield; usually the fastest runner |
| 6⃣ | Jared Young | First Base (1B) | Catches throws from other infielders to get runners out |
| 7⃣ | Francisco Alvarez | Designated Hitter (DH) | Only hits — doesn’t play defense (special rule!) |
| 8⃣ | Brett Baty | Second Base (2B) | Fields balls on the right side of the infield |
| 9⃣ | Luis Torrens | Catcher (C) | Catches pitches behind home plate; calls the game |
Atlanta Braves (Home Team – Bats Last)
| Batting Order | Player | Position | What They Do |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1⃣ | Ronald Acuña Jr. | Right Field (RF) | Superstar outfielder; hits for power and steals bases |
| 2⃣ | Drake Baldwin | Designated Hitter (DH) | Only hits — no fielding duties |
| 3⃣ | Matt Olson | First Base (1B) | Power hitter; great at catching throws at first |
| 4⃣ | Ozzie Albies | Second Base (2B) | All-star infielder; turns double plays |
| 5⃣ | Michael Harris II | Center Field (CF) | Gold Glove defender; covers huge ground |
| 6⃣ | Mauricio Dubón | Shortstop (SS) | Versatile defender filling in at shortstop |
| 7⃣ | Lane Thomas | Left Field (LF) | Solid outfielder with good speed |
| 8⃣ | Austin Riley | Third Base (3B) | Power-hitting cornerstone at the hot corner |
| 9⃣ | Sean Murphy | Catcher (C) | Strong defensive catcher; manages pitchers |
How to Watch & Listen
Game Time
First Pitch: 7:15 PM EDT
That’s 7:15 at night on the East Coast. If you’re in California, it’s 4:15 PM!
Television
- Channel: SNY (SportsNet New York)
- This is the Mets’ home TV network
Radio Options
You have three ways to listen:
- WHSQ 880 AM — Traditional radio dial
- Audacy App — Free on your phone
- 92.3 HD2 — HD Radio side channel
ELI5: Key Things to Know
What’s a "Designated Hitter" (DH)?
In some leagues (like the American League and now both leagues), one player only hits and doesn’t play defense. It’s like having a pinch-hitter who stays in the game all night! Both teams have a DH today:
- Mets: Francisco Alvarez
- Braves: Drake Baldwin
Why Does Batting Order Matter?
- Spots 1-2: Fast players who get on base a lot
- Spots 3-5: Your best hitters (power + average)
- Spots 6-9: Good players, but usually less power
Home vs. Visitor Advantage
The home team (Braves) bats last — this is a big advantage! If they’re losing in the 9th inning, they get one final chance to win.
Summary
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Matchup | New York Mets @ Atlanta Braves |
| First Pitch | 7:15 PM EDT |
| TV | SNY |
| Radio | 880 AM / Audacy App / 92.3 HD2 |
| Mets DH | Francisco Alvarez |
| Braves DH | Drake Baldwin |
| Key Star (Mets) | Francisco Lindor (SS) |
| Key Star (Braves) | Ronald Acuña Jr. (RF) |
FAQ
What position is "Shortstop"?
Shortstop (SS) stands between second and third base. They field the most ground balls and need a strong, accurate arm to throw runners out at first. It’s often the best athlete on the field!
Why does the catcher bat 9th for both teams?
Catchers have the toughest defensive job — they squat for 2-3 hours, call every pitch, and block wild pitches. Teams usually prioritize their defense over their hitting.
What does "EDT" mean?
Eastern Daylight Time — the time zone for New York, Atlanta, and the East Coast during spring/summer.
Can I watch this game for free?
- TV: Need a cable/login that includes SNY
- Radio: YES! The Audacy App is free, and 880 AM is free over-the-air radio
What if it rains?
Baseball games can be delayed or postponed for rain. Check the team’s Twitter/X accounts for real-time updates!
Enjoy the game! Whether you’re watching on SNY or listening on 880 AM, now you know exactly who’s playing where and why the lineup matters. Go Mets! (Or Go Braves — we don’t judge!)