Michael Harris II sits as Braves face Phillies in series opener

The Atlanta Braves begin a four-game series against the Philadelphia Phillies on Friday with Mauricio Dubón starting in center field in place of Michael Harris II. The team decision rests on Harris’s career performance against Philadelphia starter Cristopher Sánchez. Atlanta will start Chris Sale on the mound, while the Phillies return Kyle Schwarber to the designated hitter spot and Alec Bohm to first base. Philadelphia is starting Edmundo Sosa in left field instead of Brandon Marsh to counter the left-handed pitching of Sale. The Braves enter the series looking to strengthen their position in the National League East standings. Atlanta hitters have historically performed well against Sánchez, holding a collective.328 batting average against the Phillies pitcher, whereas current Philadelphia hitters have struggled against Sale in career matchups.

• 7:21 PMYahoo Sports — Michael Harris II out of lineup for Braves’ series opener in Philly