Atlanta Braves News

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Matt Olson • 1B • Braves

Matt Olson Continues Stellar Start to the Season with Three-Hit, Three-RBI Showing

Atlanta Braves first baseman Matt Olson was tearing the cover off the ball Thursday night as the Braves dismantled the Arizona Diamondbacks 17-2. Olson was leading the charge for the Braves' offense, going 3-for-5 with three RBI, three runs, a home run, and a walk. His home run came in the first inning off Diamondbacks' starter, Ryne Nelson. The Braves are now sitting at 5-2 on the season, and Olson is slashing an impressive .321/.367/.571 with one home run, five RBI, five runs scored, and four doubles. Olson remains one of the top options at the first baseman position, and is a must-start in all formats. Additionally, he is a model of consistency, having played in all 162 games for four straight seasons and posting over 685 plate appearances each season, which allows him to continue to rack up counting stats. The Braves finish out the weekend in Arizona, where Olson will face two right-handed pitchers and a left-hander on Sunday.

Yesterday

Spencer Strider • SP • Braves

Spencer Strider to Throw Bullpen Session on Friday

Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Spencer Strider (oblique) is scheduled to throw a bullpen session on Friday in Phoenix. Strider is currently working his way back from an oblique issue that has kept him sidelined since the end of Spring Training. If everything goes well, Strider should be cleared to face live hitters next. He'll likely need a few weeks to ramp up activities and build up stamina before rejoining the Braves rotation. There's a chance that Strider is ready to rejoin the Braves' rotation by the end of April, but there's no exact timetable at the moment. The right-hander should be stashed on the IL in most fantasy formats right now.

Yesterday

Sean Murphy • C • Braves

Sean Murphy has No Issues During Simulated Game

Atlanta Braves catcher Sean Murphy (hip) was able to catch three innings of a simulated game on Wednesday without any issues. Murphy is currently with High-A Rome while he works his way back from right hip surgery. He has been sidelined since the beginning of Spring Training, but Murphy is now heading in the right direction. He'll likely need to work his way up to catching full games before he's activated from the 10-day Injured List. The expectation is that he'll start a rehab assignment soon and appears to be on track to return around late April or early May. Drake Baldwin should continue doing most of the catching while Murphy is out.

Yesterday

José Suarez • RP • Braves |

Jose Suarez • RF • Cardinals

Jose Suarez Starting Against A's on Tuesday

Atlanta Braves left-hander Jose Suarez will get the nod to start on Tuesday against the visiting Athletics instead of veteran left-hander Martin Perez, according to Chad Bishop of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Suarez, 28, will be making his 2026 debut as the current fill-in for the Braves' starting rotation in place of the injured Spencer Strider (oblique). The Venezuelan southpaw has started 62 of the 106 games he's appeared in over his seven major-league seasons. Suarez went 2-0 in 2025 with a nice 1.86 ERA and 1.29 WHIP, but only in 19 1/3 innings in seven outings (one start) for the Braves. In his lone start last year, Suarez looked great, giving up just two runs in seven innings while striking out nine against the Washington Nationals. Fantasy managers probably shouldn't be expecting anything that dominant, especially early in the season in what could just be a one-and-done spot start for Suarez.

3 days ago

Sean Murphy • C • Braves

Sean Murphy Could Start Rehab Assignment This Week

Atlanta Braves catcher Sean Murphy (hip) could begin a minor-league rehab assignment as early as this week with High-A Rome, according to Grant McAuley of 929 The Game. Murphy is scheduled to take live batting practice at Rome on Wednesday as the Braves head out on a seven-game road trip. The 31-year-old veteran backstop began the 2026 season on the 10-day injured list after having offseason hip surgery, but it might not be long before he can make his debut this year for Atlanta. Fellow catcher Drake Baldwin is an everyday player now for the Braves after winning National League Rookie of the Year honors in 2025, but Murphy should also play regularly between catcher and designated hitter, while Jonah Heim will revert to No. 3 catching duties. Murphy was an All-Star in his first year in Atlanta in 2023, when he hit 21 home runs in 108 games. He had just 26 combined long balls in the last two years, though, while battling injuries. It remains to be seen if Murphy can rediscover his pre-injury power stroke after having hip surgery.

4 days ago

Spencer Strider • SP • Braves

No Timetable for Spencer Strider to Begin Rehab Assignment

Atlanta Braves right-hander Spencer Strider (oblique) will be on the team's road trip, but there's still no timetable for when he might make his first minor-league rehab start, according to Mark Bowman of MLB.com. Strider will likely throw a live batting practice session on the road, and that will give the Braves a better feel for his potential return date from the 15-day injured list. The Braves reportedly don't think Strider will miss too much time after being diagnosed with an oblique strain, but he's not going to be ready to return from the IL when he's eligible on April 6. But barring a setback as he ramps back up, fantasy managers should get him back before the end of April. The 27-year-old was a first-time All-Star in 2023 and won a league-high 20 games that year, but he pitched in only two games in 2024 due to injury and went 7-14 with a 4.45 ERA and 1.39 WHIP in 23 starts for the Braves last year. Strider's injury history makes him riskier, especially since he's experienced a drop in velocity since his strong 2023 campaign.

4 days ago

Spencer Strider • SP • Braves

Spencer Strider Not Expected to be Out Long

The Atlanta Braves don't expect right-hander Spencer Strider (oblique) to be out for too long to begin the 2026 season after he was placed on the 15-day injured list with a Grade 1 left-oblique strain before Opening Day, according to Thomas Harrigan of MLB.com. Catcher Sean Murphy missed almost two months two years ago with the same injury, but president of baseball operations Alex Anthopoulos doesn't think Strider's injury is nearly as severe. Strider's oblique injury is being described as "minor" compared to Murphy's. Still, injury issues are piling up for Strider, who also missed most of 2024 while recovering from surgery to fix a torn UCL in his right elbow. He then suffered a right-hamstring strain when he returned that year. The 27-year-old hurler had a left-oblique strain in 2022 and missed around a month. He's eligible to return as early as April 6. Fantasy managers are wondering what version of Strider they'll get, but most fantasy analysts are skeptical after Strider displayed diminished velocity in spring training.

5 days ago

Didier Fuentes • SP • Braves

Didier Fuentes Optioned to Triple-A

The Atlanta Braves have optioned right-handed pitching prospect Didier Fuentes to Triple-A Gwinnett. This is the corresponding move to make space on the 26-man roster after Atlanta selected the contract of left-handed starter Martin Perez. Fuentes was effective in his lone relief pitching appearance during the Braves' opening series. He tossed four innings out of the bullpen, allowing just one run on two hits and one walk. He also struck out four batters. At first, the decision to option Fuentes after such a strong outing may come as a surprise. However, it's consistent with the Braves' plan for building up Fuentes into a major league starter. It was previously reported that Fuentes would open the year in the majors as a reliever before returning to Triple-A to be stretched out as a starter. He'll presumably join Gwinnett's rotation, and we wouldn't be surprised to see him back in the majors (as a starter) after just a few Triple-A outings.

5 days ago

Martín Pérez • SP • Braves

Braves Select Martin Perez's Contract for Tuesday's Start

The Atlanta Braves have selected the contract of left-handed pitcher Martin Perez from Triple-A Gwinnett. In a corresponding move, right-handed pitcher Didier Fuentes was optioned to Triple-A. Perez is expected to start Tuesday's game against the Athletics. He spent last season with the Chicago White Sox, posting a 3.54 ERA but a 5.36 xERA. He amassed 7.07 K/9, 3.54 BB/9, and 0.96 K/9 while inducing ground balls at a career-low 39% clip. When the veteran toes the rubber on Tuesday, it'll mark the start of his 15th season in Major League Baseball. Depending on how the outing goes, he could stick in the Braves' rotation. If it doesn't go well, the only way for the Braves to get him off their 26-man and 40-man rosters would be to designate him for assignment (or trade/release him outright).

5 days ago

Sean Murphy • C • Braves

Sean Murphy Doing Baseball Activities, Could Begin Rehab Assignment Soon

Atlanta Braves catcher Sean Murphy (hip) is doing all baseball activities and could start a minor-league rehab assignment soon, according to Mark Bowman of MLB.com. Murphy wasn't ready for the start of the 2026 season after having surgery last September to fix a labral tear in his right hip. Because of the severity of his injury, expect the Braves to give Murphy plenty of time on his rehab assignment, especially since they are covered at catcher in the big leagues with both Drake Baldwin and Jonah Heim. The 31-year-old veteran and former All-Star made his first All-Star squad in his first year in Atlanta in 2023, slashing .251/.365/.478 with an .844 OPS, 21 home runs, 68 RBI, and 65 runs scored in 108 games played. Since then, Murphy has struggled to stay healthy and has played in 166 games in the last two years, hitting just .197/.293/.384 with 26 homers and 70 RBI. Murphy is no longer Atlanta's primary catcher after Baldwin won National League Rookie of the Year honors in 2025, but he should play pretty regularly between catcher and designated hitter.

6 days ago

Ozzie Albies • 2B • Braves

Ozzie Albies Hitting Third to Kick Off 2026 Season

Atlanta Braves second baseman Ozzie Albies will bat in the three-hole for the Braves on Opening Day on Friday against the visiting Kansas City Royals and left-hander Cole Ragans at Truist Park, according to MLB.com. This is definitely notable after Albies only had seven of his 157 plate appearances in 2025 out of the No. 3 spot in the batting order. Overall, the three-time All-Star hit .240/.306/.365 with a career-worst .671 OPS, 16 home runs, 74 RBI, 74 runs scored, and 14 stolen bases in 667 plate appearances over 157 games played. The 29-year-old switch-hitting second baseman was much better against lefties from the right side of the plate in 2025, going 49-for-177 (.277) against them, but with only four of his 16 total home runs. The Braves could have Albies hitting elsewhere against righties in 2026, but for now, he's in the heart of Atlanta's order on Opening Day as he looks to bounce back in his 10th year in the big leagues. Albies is hitless in just one career at-bat against Ragans.

7 days ago

Drake Baldwin • C • Braves

Drake Baldwin Batting Second, Serving as DH on Opening Day

Atlanta Braves catcher Drake Baldwin will serve as the team's designated hitter and bat out of the two-hole on Opening Day on Friday against the visiting Kansas City Royals and left-hander Cole Ragans at Truist Park, per MLB.com. At least until catcher Sean Murphy (hip) returns, the Braves plan to use Baldwin at DH and Jonah Heim behind the plate against left-handed pitchers. The 24-year-old Baldwin was named National League Rookie of the Year in 2025 after slashing .274/.341/.469 with an .810 OPS, 19 home runs, 80 RBI, and 56 runs scored in 446 plate appearances and 124 games. Baldwin had an impressive .299/.358/.460 slash line with an .818 OPS against left-handed pitchers last year, although only four of his 19 home runs came against them. There is plenty of counting-stat upside with Baldwin, who should be in the lineup regularly, even when Murphy returns. After what he showed last year, Baldwin should be considered a top-10 fantasy backstop.

7 days ago

JR Ritchie • SP • Braves

JR Ritchie Emerging as Sneaky Stash Target

Atlanta Braves right-handed pitching prospect JR Ritchie should contend for an early MLB debut during the 2026 campaign. Ritchie was sharp in spring training, logging 12 innings to the tune of a 2.25 ERA, 0.58 WHIP, and a 14:5 K:BB. However, even with Spencer Schwellenbach (elbow), Spencer Strider (oblique), and Hurston Waldrep (elbow) all beginning the season on the IL, the Braves opted to send Ritchie back to Triple-A for further development. Instead, fellow emerging arm Didier Fuentes earned a spot on the Opening Day roster. However, given Atlanta's lack of pitching depth, Ritchie may get the call to the major leagues in the near future. Last summer, the former 35th overall selection made his Triple-A debut and logged 59 2/3 innings to the tune of a 3.02 ERA and a strong 1.09 WHIP. Managers should pay close attention to this early production at Triple-A, as he could earn the call in the coming weeks. For now, he is a viable stash option in deeper 12+ team leagues.

Mar 27

Sean Murphy • C • Braves

Sean Murphy Lands on 10-Day Injured List

The Atlanta Braves placed catcher Sean Murphy (hip) on the 10-day injured list on Wednesday with right-hip labrum repair, according to MLB.com. Murphy was always expected to begin the 2026 regular season on the shelf, and now it's official. He underwent surgery on his right hip in September of last year and isn't expected to be ready to make his season debut this year until sometime in May. It obviously makes Murphy much less attractive in fantasy baseball, especially with Drake Baldwin and Jonah Heim totally capable of handling the catching duties in Atlanta. The 31-year-old veteran backstop was able to take on-field batting practice on March 9, but he still has plenty of boxes to check in his rehab, including defensive work and running. Murphy was a first-time All-Star in his first year in Atlanta in 2023, but he has played in a combined 166 games the last two years while hitting just .197/.293/.384 with a .676 OPS in 601 plate appearances. When healthy, a lesser role could be coming for Murphy between catcher and designated hitter, and there's no guarantee the pop returns after having hip surgery.

Mar 25

Spencer Strider • SP • Braves

Spencer Strider Placed on 15-Day Injured List

The Atlanta Braves placed right-hander Spencer Strider (oblique) on the 15-day injured list on Wednesday, retroactive to Sunday, according to Mark Bowman of MLB.com. It's a disappointing start to the 2026 season for Strider, but reports continue to be promising regarding his oblique injury. He will be eligible to come off the IL on April 6, although that might be a little early. Still, there's a chance that Strider will only miss a turn or two through Atlanta's starting rotation to begin the year. The 27-year-old strained his left oblique in a spring training outing last week against the Boston Red Sox. With Strider opening the year on the shelf, Jose Suarez is expected to take his rotation spot. Strider has fallen far since he won a league-high 20 games and struck out a league-high 281 batters for the Braves in 2023. He made only two starts in 2024 before having right-elbow surgery, and he didn't look the same in 23 starts last year, going 7-14 with a 4.45 ERA, 1.39 WHIP, and 131:51 K:BB in 125 1/3 innings. A drop in velocity this spring isn't encouraging for fantasy managers hoping for a bounce-back.

Mar 25

Reynaldo López • SP • Braves

Reynaldo Lopez's Mechanical Tweak Leads to More Velocity

Atlanta Braves right-hander Reynaldo Lopez made some mechanical tweaks and showed improved velocity during his bullpen session in camp on Tuesday, according to Ken Sugiura of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Lopez was last seen averaging 89 mph on his fastball in his final Grapefruit League appearance. The 32-year-old veteran averaged 95 mph on his heater when he was a first-time All-Star in 2024 in his first year in Atlanta. Unfortunately, Lopez only made it one start last year before needing right-shoulder surgery. His velocity will be something to watch early on in 2026 as he returns from major shoulder surgery. Fantasy managers definitely shouldn't be expecting him to return to the form he displayed in 2024, when he had a 1.99 ERA, 1.11 WHIP, and 148:42 K:BB in 135 2/3 innings. As a former reliever, Lopez could be in danger of moving back to the bullpen in 2026 if his velocity dips again. Even if he stays healthy and stays in a starting role, Lopez's expected workload restrictions will limit his upside as a back-end fantasy starter.

Mar 24

José Suarez • RP • Braves |

Jose Suarez • RF • Cardinals

Jose Suarez Likely to Open 2026 as the Braves' Fifth Starter

Atlanta Braves left-hander Jose Suarez is likely to open 2026 as the team's fifth starter with starting pitcher Spencer Strider (oblique) set to begin the year on the Injured List, per Mark Bowman of MLB.com. Bowman reports that Atlanta's plan for young right-hander Didier Fuentes is still for him to open the year in the bullpen, with veteran lefty Martin Perez the main competition for Suarez at the back end of the rotation. Suarez has made 62 starts over the course of his seven-year MLB career but has worked mostly as a reliever over the past two seasons. Across 19 1/3 innings (seven games) for Atlanta in 2025, the 28-year-old pitched to a 1.86 ERA and 1.29 WHIP but struck out just 16 while allowing 10 walks. With Strider, Spencer Schwellenbach (elbow), Hurston Waldrep (elbow), AJ Smith-Shawver (elbow), and Joey Wentz (knee) all on the Injured List, the Braves are digging deep into their pitching depth to begin 2026. Suarez could hold some fantasy appeal in deep leagues, but his lack of a proven track record as an MLB starter is a concern.

Mar 23

Spencer Strider • SP • Braves

Spencer Strider to Start the Season on Injured List

Atlanta Braves right-hander Spencer Strider (oblique) will start the 2026 regular season on the injured list with an oblique strain, according to Mark Bowman of MLB.com. Strider will not pitch in his scheduled final exhibition tune-up on Monday in the Grapefruit League against the Pittsburgh Pirates. With the 27-year-old starting on the shelf, Jose Suarez will take his rotation spot to begin the season, with pitching prospect Didier Fuentes beginning in the bullpen. Oblique injuries are hard to predict, but the good news for fantasy managers is that Atlanta expects Strider to make his season debut in a couple of weeks. Strider was a first-time All-Star in 2023, when he won 20 games and led the league in strikeouts (281), FIP (2.85), and strikeouts per nine innings (13.5), but he had an internal-brace procedure on his elbow in 2024 and did not look the same while pitching to a 4.45 ERA, 1.39 WHIP, and 9.4 K/9 in 23 starts in 2025. Strider's velocity has been down this spring, but otherwise he's looked good with 11 strikeouts and two walks in 8 1/3 innings.

Mar 23

Didier Fuentes • SP • Braves

Didier Fuentes Will Eventually Stretch Out as a Starter in Triple-A

Atlanta Braves right-handed pitching prospect Didier Fuentes has made the Opening Day roster as a reliever, but Mark Bowman of MLB.com reports that the 20-year-old will eventually return to the minors to be stretched out. According to Bowman, the Braves want Fuentes "to spend the first couple weeks as a long reliever for Atlanta and then go to Triple-A Gwinnett to work as a starter." That's some deflating news for Braves fans and fantasy managers, as Fuentes is an appealing prospect who delivered nine scoreless innings this spring. The former international free agent out of Colombia has made just one professional relief appearance in the minors since 2023, so it's somewhat perplexing that the Braves are going to temporarily convert him to a reliever, just to send him back to Triple-A and stretch him out. Regardless, this news delays any potential fantasy breakout for Fuentes. Fantasy managers will have to exercise a little more patience.

Mar 22

Didier Fuentes • SP • Braves

Is Didier Fuentes Worth Stashing Through the Early Portion of 2026?

Atlanta Braves pitching prospect Didier Fuentes has made the team's Opening Day roster as a member of the bullpen. The 21-year-old was dominant in Grapefruit League action, recording nine shutout innings with 17 strikeouts, zero walks, and zero hits. While Fuentes will open the year in the bullpen, all 13 of his minor league appearances in 2025 came as a starter. The Braves are already thin in the rotation as they deal with injuries to key starters such as Spencer Schwellenbach (elbow) and Hurston Waldrep (elbow). If Atlanta faces further injury or underperformance from any of its current starters, it would not be a surprise to see Fuentes stretched out for a return to the rotation. Depending on league size and format, fantasy managers may want to consider stashing Fuentes through the early portion of the season in case he earns a quick promotion from middle relief to the starting rotation.

Mar 21

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