Jorge Mateo was back in the lineup at shortstop for the Mets opener, giving the New York Mets a familiar look as they opened a four-game series against the Atlanta Braves.
Joey Bart was also in the lineup, working from the back of the order as the Mets tried to set the tone after Saturday’s fireworks.
What the Braves were facing
The Braves were set up to face the lefty Manaea as they tried to turn around June hitting woes. Thursday had been a quiet finale for the Braves, but Sunday brought a new matchup and a fresh chance to reset the series.
Christian Scott’s situation also remained part of the broader context. Last year, he was fully sidelined due to Tommy John surgery, and that backdrop still shapes the Mets’ mix as the team continues through the stretch.
Mateo’s return to shortstop was the clearest lineup change in the game, and it answered one of the simplest questions going into the opener: Was Jorge Mateo in the lineup at shortstop? Yes, and he was back in his usual spot when the game began.
The Mets lineup was not available at the time of publication, but Mateo’s placement at shortstop and Bart’s presence near the bottom of the order made the opener worth tracking closely.
