Verdugo did have three hits Sunday, but he’s now sitting at .200/.257/.246 in 70 plate appearances this month. At this rate, he might take a backseat to Eli White in left field after Ronald Acuña Jr. is activated.

Verdugo’s grounder up the middle scored Eli White from second. Verdugo also doubled earlier in the game. He entered the night in a 1-for-24 slump, and he needs to turn it on now that Ronald Acuña Jr.'s rehab assignment is about to start.

Verdugo is back in the leadoff spot after opening Friday’s contest on the bench with lefty Bailey Falter on the hill for Pittsburgh. The 28-year-old figures to continue leading off against right-handed pitching with Ozzie Albies, who led off Friday’s series opener at PNC Park, getting the occasional opportunity versus southpaws.

It looks to be just a routine night off for the 28-year-old outfielder. It is against a left-hander in Bailey Falter, but Verdugo started and continued to lead off against each of the two previous left-handers that the Braves faced so it doesn’t feel like that’s the reason for his absence. Expect to see him back atop the Braves’ lineup on Saturday.