Last updated: Sunday, August 23, 2026, 5:00 PM ET. Official batting orders had not yet been posted at publish time; this page will be updated when they are.
Tonight’s 2026 MLB Little League Classic starting pitchers are confirmed: right-hander Tyler Mahle (4-10, 4.53 ERA) for the Atlanta Braves against left-hander Shane Drohan (6-4, 3.86 ERA) for the Milwaukee Brewers, with first pitch at 7:10 PM ET on ESPN from Williamsport. The full batting orders are not yet official – clubs typically post them a few hours before first pitch – but both expected lineups are loaded, from Ronald Acuña Jr. and Matt Olson for Atlanta to Jackson Chourio and Christian Yelich for Milwaukee.
The chart below has the confirmed pitching matchup and the projected lineup cores, clearly labeled. Take a look, then we’ll get into why this particular matchup tilts interesting.
MLB LITTLE LEAGUE CLASSIC
Braves vs. Brewers: Pitchers and Lineups
Mahle vs. Drohan confirmed – lineups projected until officially posted
ATL STARTER
Tyler Mahle
RHP, 4-10, 4.53 ERA
MIL STARTER
Shane Drohan
LHP, 6-4, 3.86 ERA
LINEUPS
Projected
Officials not yet posted
FIRST PITCH
7:10 PM ET
ESPN
The pitching matchup (confirmed)
Both clubs have announced their starters
| Starter |
The story |
| Braves: RHP Tyler Mahle (4-10, 4.53 ERA) |
Deceiving record – since arriving from the Giants at the deadline, Mahle has a 1.45 ERA and 0.85 WHIP over three Atlanta starts, coming off 6 2/3 strong innings against the Twins. He also blanked the Brewers over six innings on July 27 while still with San Francisco |
| Brewers: LHP Shane Drohan (6-4, 3.86 ERA) |
A first-year Brewer acquired from Boston before spring training, making his 15th start and first career appearance against Atlanta. Milwaukee has kept him on a short leash lately – including a two-inning relief outing earlier this week – with a move toward a long-relief hybrid role expected after tonight |
| The bullpen math |
If Drohan exits early, the Brewers lean on a taxed but excellent bullpen; Mahle’s recent form gives Atlanta its best chance to avoid the sweep |
| Extra arm |
The Braves announced outfielder Brewer Hicklen as an additional player for the game – yes, Brewer faces the Brewers |
Projected lineups (not yet official)
Names both clubs are expected to feature – batting orders TBA
| Team |
Expected names |
| Braves (projected) |
Ronald Acuña Jr., Matt Olson, Ozzie Albies, Austin Riley and Michael Harris II headline the expected group; manager Walt Weiss said after Saturday’s loss he plans no major lineup alterations |
| Brewers (projected) |
Jackson Chourio, Christian Yelich, William Contreras, Brice Turang and Garrett Mitchell are the expected core of the Milwaukee order |
| When lineups go official |
MLB clubs typically post official batting orders a few hours before first pitch – check both teams’ social accounts or MLB.com Gameday closest to 7:10 PM ET |
| Why the wait |
Managers finalize orders after batting practice and health checks; for a Sunday night special-event game with afternoon LLWS activities, cards often post later than usual |
MATCHUP FACTS
Mahle owns recent history
Six shutout innings against this same Milwaukee lineup on July 27 – though that start came in a Giants uniform, three weeks before the trade.
Drohan’s Williamsport moment
“Every 12-year-old’s dream is to go to Williamsport, and it’s still cool to do it at 27,” the lefty said this week – likely one of his final starts of the season as the Brewers shift him toward a relief role.
Cold bats, big names
Atlanta has scored two runs or fewer in each of its last five losses – the star-heavy projected lineup arrives in Williamsport badly needing a breakout night.
The Matchup Beneath the Matchup
The projected lineups set up a genuine platoon story. Drohan is a lefty facing an Atlanta order full of right-handed power – exactly the profile that has given him trouble – while Mahle’s splits favor him against a Milwaukee lineup expected to lean left-handed. Add Drohan’s shrinking leash and the Brewers’ bullpen workload from a long week, and Atlanta’s path to avoiding the sweep runs through making the Milwaukee staff work early. For everything else about tonight – TV, streaming and the setting – see our full game guide.
The Bottom Line
Tyler Mahle and Shane Drohan are tonight’s confirmed Little League Classic starters; the batting orders remain projected until the clubs post official lineups closer to the 7:10 PM ET first pitch, and this page will be updated when they land. For what the Classic is and why two contenders are playing a real game in a 2,500-seat park, start with our Little League Classic explainer.
