Baseball

Jorge Mateo Makes First Start as Braves Aim for Series Sweep

by
Richard Hayes
March 29, 2026

The Atlanta Braves are poised to complete their first sweep of the season in today’s series finale against the Kansas City Royals, a matchup that promises excitement as both teams look to set the tone for the rest of the season. The game is set for an early afternoon start, with first pitch scheduled for 1:35 p.m. EST.

A standout in today’s lineup is shortstop Jorge Mateo, who is making his first start at the position for the Braves. Mateo’s return comes after he contributed to the team’s thrilling ninth-inning rally last night, scoring a run that helped secure a dramatic victory. His presence in the lineup adds both skill and energy as the Braves look to continue their winning momentum.

Also returning to the field is Dominic Smith, who will serve as the designated hitter after an impressive performance in last night’s game. The rest of the Braves’ lineup remains unchanged, featuring Ronald Acuña Jr. at the leadoff spot and Mike Yastrzemski back in left field, creating a familiar yet potent offensive threat for Atlanta.

On the mound for the Braves, Grant Holmes is eager to kick off his season appearance with a strong performance, aiming to bolster the team’s defensive efforts and secure a win in this critical game.

Meanwhile, the Royals are making adjustments in hopes of altering their fortunes. Seth Lugo will take the mound for Kansas City, and the lineup has seen several changes. Salvador Perez steps in as the designated hitter, replacing Carter Jensen, who moves to catcher for his first appearance in that role during this series. Additionally, Nick Loftin will bat eighth, taking over for Jonathan India at second base, while Lane Thomas replaces Isaac Collins in left field.

This series finale is crucial for both teams as they look to establish their identities early in the season. With the stakes high, the question remains: who will emerge victorious and claim the final word?

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.

Richard Hayes

Richard Hayes is the go-to writer for all things soccer at 21Sports.com. His international perspective and in-depth knowledge of the game have made him a trusted voice in the industry. Richard’s experience covering major leagues around the world allows him to offer unique insights that resonate with both casual fans and die-hard enthusiasts. When not covering matches, Richard enjoys coaching youth soccer in his community.