The MLB season is hitting its stride, and lineup trends are becoming clearer by the day. Early-season experiments are giving way to consistent patterns, and a wave of rookies is making its presence felt across the league. Here's what you need to know about every team's batting order this week.
Arizona Diamondbacks
Ryan Waldschmidt has started five straight games after sitting out his first contest since his call-up from Triple-A. He's anchoring center field, the spot previously held by Alek Thomas before his DFA. Nolan Arenado has moved into the cleanup role, while Adrian Del Castillo drops to seventh. Ildemaro Vargas remains a fixture, starting 27 consecutive games. Meanwhile, Carlos Santana (groin) hit a setback in his rehab assignment, and Tyler Locklear stays in Triple-A.
Athletics
Zack Gelof has started 14 of the last 15 games, including eight straight at third base while Max Muncy (hand) hasn't resumed baseball activities. Darell Hernaiz is filling in at shortstop with Jacob Wilson (shoulder) sidelined. Henry Bolte has earned two straight starts in center field, including one against a righty that saw Lawrence Butler take a seat.
Atlanta Braves
Drake Baldwin leads off against righties and hits second against southpaws, when Mauricio Dubón bats first. Ha-Seong Kim is back at shortstop, shifting Dubón to left field and Mike Yastrzemski to right in Ronald Acuña Jr.'s absence (hamstring). Once Acuña returns, we might see a Dubón/Yastrzemski platoon in the outfield.
Baltimore Orioles
The O's have a lengthy injury list, yet Colton Cowser is barely seeing the field against right-handers. Tyler O'Neill plays more than him, but he's looking like an expensive platoon bat right now. Adley Rutschman is settling into the three-hole during his bounce-back campaign. Coby Mayo continues to get significant playing time compared to some of Baltimore's other young hitters.
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