Who Will Bat Ninth for the Atlanta Braves in 2026?

This article digs into a Spring Training trend involving the Atlanta Braves: Mauricio Dubón has been hitting ninth in several recent games. He’s even slotted behind catcher Jonah Heim, and sometimes behind Aaron Schunk.

That pattern suggests the Braves are testing Dubón as their go-to ninth hitter when he’s in the lineup. He’s also filling in for Ha-Seong Kim during these games.

Fans and observers are left wondering—will this ninth-spot role become Dubón’s regular gig? Or will someone else eventually grab it?

Kim’s return could shake up the Braves’ lineup soon, so the bottom of the order might keep shifting as spring rolls on.

Dubón emerges as a potential ninth hitter for the Braves in Spring Training

Dubón batted ninth in two separate Spring Training appearances, which hints that the Braves might see him as their primary late-inning option. In one game, he hit after Jonah Heim, and in another, he followed Aaron Schunk.

These are just a couple of data points, but they show the Braves seem comfortable with Dubón as a fallback option at the bottom of the order. The team has always valued Dubón’s versatility—he’s a true super-utility guy who can move around the diamond and contribute in different ways.

That kind of flexibility is a huge asset during spring, when teams care more about options than strict plans.

Why the ninth spot matters for Dubón and the Braves

The ninth spot isn’t just about getting a late-inning at-bat. It can actually shape how the Braves set up the rest of their lineup against righties and lefties.

If the Braves have a reliable ninth hitter, they can unlock the top of the lineup later in games and create better matchups in the late innings. It’s also a way to get a solid defense-first player in the lineup without messing up the batting order.

For Dubón, sticking in that role could cement him as the perfect plug-in—he can fill gaps without causing a ripple elsewhere. The Braves, meanwhile, use the ninth spot as a testing ground, a place to optimize lineups without losing depth.

What the spring data is suggesting about Dubón’s role

Early Spring Training signs point to Dubón as the default ninth hitter when he’s in and Kim isn’t. If this sticks, Dubón’s value goes beyond just occasional starts—he becomes a dependable option at the bottom of the order during Kim’s days off or when facing a righty-heavy opponent.

Spring Training roles change fast, though. The club will keep weighing defense, matchups, and roster balance as Kim gets closer to full health.

Implications for Ha-Seong Kim and Braves’ depth

Kim’s return will probably shuffle the Braves’ everyday lineup, but Dubón’s flexibility could help cover any hiccups in the infield or outfield. If Dubón keeps hitting ninth in several scenarios, the Braves might keep a nimble bench and a backup plan for late-inning moves.

The real question is whether the ninth spot will remain Dubón’s or go to someone else, depending on health and tactics. Either way, the Braves’ depth is about to get tested in Spring Training.

Injury considerations and lineup flexibility to watch

As Spring Training moves along, the Braves will watch Dubón’s availability, keep tabs on injuries, and see how often Kim is actually in the lineup. Any injury or roster move could change who gets the ninth spot most often, so this storyline isn’t going away soon.

Fans will probably see updates on Kim’s status and Dubón’s chances to hold onto the ninth spot every few days.

Fan questions: Will Dubón hold the ninth spot or will someone else seize it?

Braves fans keep asking: Can Dubón hang onto the ninth spot through the regular season, or will the job rotate based on matchups, health, and strategy? Spring Training is always a bit of a guessing game, but these debates do matter for expectations and fantasy baseball, too.

If Dubón settles in at ninth, he could become a steady piece in a part of the order that’s usually tough to predict. That might help the Braves score a few extra runs when Kim is out or getting a breather.

What to monitor as Spring Training continues

Keep an eye on:

• Dubón’s innings and defensive spots—they’ll show how much the Braves trust him as a late-inning option.
• How the Braves juggle Kim’s playing time with Dubón’s, especially against different pitchers.
• Whether another bat steps up to challenge for ninth, maybe because of defense or a good matchup.
• Injury news and roster moves that could shake up the bottom of the order before Opening Day.

Bottom line: Dubón as ninth hitter could become the default, but the role remains unsettled

The early Spring Training signals are intriguing, but they’re not exactly definitive.

If Dubón keeps landing in the ninth spot whenever he’s available, maybe the Braves have a blueprint for the start of the season.

But with Ha-Seong Kim coming back and the usual spring roster shuffles, who hits ninth might change.

Right now, Dubón’s performance in these first outings is a clue worth watching.

Braves fans should probably keep an eye on this as spring training rolls into real games and, before you know it, Opening Day nerves and hopes start creeping in.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Who will hit ninth for the Braves most often in 2026?