The Atlanta Braves head to Target Field on Wednesday, August 19, for a 1:40 PM ET afternoon tilt against the Minnesota Twins. AJ Smith-Shawver takes the ball for Atlanta against Minnesota's Taj Bradley in a interleague matchup that gives the Braves a chance to pick up a road win against an American League opponent. Catch the action on BravesVision or locally on 680 AM/93.7 FM The Fan.

Braves at Twins Game Preview: Wednesday, August 19, 2026

This is a road test the Braves need to pass. Atlanta is rolling out a lineup that puts Ronald Acuña Jr. at the top, and when Acuña is locked in and leading off, this offense has the kind of ceiling that can punish any pitching staff. The question today is whether Smith-Shawver can keep Minnesota's lineup quiet long enough for the bats to do their work.

Starting Pitchers: AJ Smith-Shawver vs. Taj Bradley

AJ Smith-Shawver draws the start for Atlanta. The young right-hander has shown the kind of raw stuff that makes Braves fans excited about the future, and an afternoon game at Target Field — with its wide-open outfield gaps — will test his command and ability to limit hard contact. Keeping the ball in the park matters here.

Taj Bradley counters for the Twins. Bradley has the repertoire to keep hitters off-balance, and the Braves' lineup will need to be patient and work counts early to get into the Minnesota bullpen.

Atlanta Braves Starting Lineup

• 1. Ronald Acuña Jr. — RF
• 2. Drake Baldwin — C
• 3. Matt Olson — 1B
• 4. Michael Harris II — CF
• 5. Dominic Smith — DH
• 6. Ozzie Albies — 2B
• 7. Mike Yastrzemski — LF
• 8. Austin Riley — 3B
• 9. Jim Jarvis — SS

Minnesota Twins Starting Lineup

• 1. Luke Keaschall — RF
• 2. Byron Buxton — CF
• 3. Josh Bell — DH
• 4. Kody Clemens — 2B
• 5. Royce Lewis — 1B
• 6. Trevor Larnach — LF
• 7. Brooks Lee — 3B
• 8. Victor Caratini — C
• 9. Kaelen Culpepper — SS

Keys to Watch

• Smith-Shawver's command: Atlanta's starter needs to avoid walks and stay ahead in counts against a Minnesota lineup that features legit power threats in Byron Buxton and Royce Lewis. Falling behind hitters on the road is a quick way to a short outing.
• Acuña setting the table: When Ronald Acuña Jr. gets on base at the top of the lineup, he puts immediate pressure on the opposing battery. The Twins will want to limit his ability to run and disrupt.
• Matt Olson and Austin Riley driving runs: Olson batting third and Riley batting eighth is a lineup construction worth noting — getting Riley going is critical, and any production from the bottom of the order could pay dividends when Olson and Harris come up in big spots.
• Bullpen management: If Smith-Shawver works deep into the game, Atlanta avoids taxing a bullpen that may have seen action earlier in this road trip. Every inning he covers is an asset.

Prediction

This is a winnable game for Atlanta. The Braves have the offensive talent to put pressure on any starter, and if Smith-Shawver pitches with confidence and keeps the Twins' middle-of-the-order threats like Royce Lewis in check, Atlanta has the edge. Expect Acuña to set things in motion early and the Braves to grind out a road victory. Braves 5, Twins 3.