Overview
- Atlanta leads the opening series 2-0 and hands the ball to right-hander Grant Holmes in the finale at Truist Park.
- Seth Lugo gets the start for Kansas City as the Royals adjust the lineup with Nick Loftin at second base over Jonathan India, Lane Thomas in left over Isaac Collins, and Carter Jensen and Salvador Perez switching spots.
- Holmes returned from the 60-day injured list in November, logged five solid spring outings, and leans on a slider that drew a 42.8% whiff rate last year.
- Lugo comes off a 4.15 ERA in 2025 and features a high-spin curveball praised by pitch analysts after a World Baseball Classic stint with Puerto Rico.
- Through two games, the Braves have 12 runs with four home runs driving eight of them, while the Royals’ offense has produced two runs.