The San Diego Padres [[named their starting pitchers|squeezed out starter choices|locked in rotation plans]] for the series in Atlanta that starts July 20.
Sports Illustrated [[hinted this matchup|called it the season’s tipping point|wrote it could reorder MLB power balance]].
The Braves [[arrived with rotation cracks|coped with starter shortages|faced early-arm woes]] in their rotation.
Their offense [[just fired up|is finally clicking|caught spark]].
For the first game, Atlanta [[shuffled the lineup|added fresh bats|tapped Drake Baldwin]] as designated hitter.
Eli White [[made the cutoff|earned a start|snagged the lineup spot]].
The Braves [[hoped the bats carry the load|count on hot bats to mask starter gaps|rely on offense until rotation heals]].
They face a San Diego team [[still clawing|still scrapping|still fighting]] to stay in the race.