Atlanta Braves News

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Chris Sale • SP • Braves

Chris Sale Ready for Another Dominant Season?

Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Chris Sale is fully recovered from his rib injury last year and is ready to roll for another season with the Braves. He signed an extension before spring training that will keep him with the Braves for at least 2027 and includes a team option for 2028. The 36-year-old lefty has revitalized his career with the Braves after injuries marred the end of his time in Boston. In the last two seasons, Sale has gone 25-8 in 50 starts with a 2.46 ERA, 2.33 FIP, and 11.6 K/9. Sale has allowed four runs in 7 2/3 innings in spring training, but he is expected to be atop the Braves' rotation when the season opens. He's the No. 9 pitcher in RotoBaller's rankings, and he can be a solid anchor for your rotation after the elite options are off the board. In standard-sized mixed leagues, he's an outstanding second starting pitcher and a low-end first starting pitcher.

2 days ago

Joey Wentz • SP • Braves

Joey Wentz Suffers Season-Ending Torn ACL

Atlanta Braves left-hander Joey Wentz (knee) suffered a torn right ACL in a Grapefruit League game against the Tampa Bay Rays during a collision near first base on Sunday, according to Chad Bishop of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Wentz will be forced to miss the entire 2026 season as a result. Although the 28-year-old southpaw has started only 39 of the 117 games he's pitched in over the course of his four-year big-league career, he offered the Braves some rotation depth with injuries to right-handers Spencer Schwellenbach (elbow) and Hurston Waldrep (elbow), who both had surgeries on their arms this spring. It's yet another blow to the Braves' pitching depth before the start of the new season. Wentz pitched for the Braves, Pirates, and Twins in 2025, posting an ugly 5.60 ERA (4.06 FIP) and 1.56 WHIP with 92 K's and 43 walks in 98 innings in 39 appearances (13 starts).

2 days ago

Didier Fuentes • SP • Braves

Didier Fuentes Strikes Out Four in Spring Debut

Atlanta Braves right-handed pitching prospect Didier Fuentes tossed two innings of relief in his spring training debut on Saturday against the Baltimore Orioles. Fuentes logged two innings and did not allow a hit or a walk, and struck out four hitters. The 20-year-old right-hander made his MLB debut last summer but was unable to find much success, posting a hefty 13.85 ERA with a 2.23 WHIP over his first 13 innings in Atlanta. During this stint, he struck out 12 hitters and allowed walks at an 8.7% rate. In the minor leagues, he logged 57 innings across stints at High-A, Double-A, and Triple-A, where he posted a 4.58 ERA, 1.14 WHIP, with a 71:16 K:BB. While Futenes is likely ticketed for Triple-A to begin the season, an early promotion is likely possible given that Atlanta is already without starting pitcher Spencer Schwellenbach (elbow).

3 days ago

Spencer Strider • SP • Braves

Spencer Strider Shows Increased Velocity on Thursday

Atlanta Braves right-hander Spencer Strider touched 96.7 mph twice on the radar gun during his Grapefruit League outing on Thursday, and his four-seam fastball averaged 95 mph, according to Mark Bowman of MLB.com. The late life on Strider's pitches was there, and he got a swhiff on five of the 12 sliders that he threw against the Toronto Blue Jays. Strider allowed two earned runs on two hits while walking one and striking out four in his 2 1/3 innings of work. It's good news after the 27-year-old averaged 93.1 mph with his fastball in his spring debut on Saturday against the Baltimore Orioles. Strider wasn't too worried about the radar gun, though, and it's encouraging that his velocity was back up this week. He averaged 98.2 mph in his first two MLB seasons before struggling in 2025 with a 4.45 ERA, 1.40 WHIP, and 9.4 K/9 in his return from elbow reconstruction last year. Strider may never recapture his pre-injury form, but a rebound in 2026 is possible while being another year removed from surgery. Expect to see his ADP rise this spring if his velocity slowly comes back. Right now, he's ranked as the No. 26 fantasy starting pitcher at RotoBaller.

7 days ago

Spencer Strider • SP • Braves

Will Spencer Strider Bounce Back?

Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Spencer Strider was a fantasy ace earlier in his career, but he has not been able to return to his dominant levels since missing almost all of the 2024 season with an elbow injury that required an internal brace procedure. He did make 23 starts last year but posted a 4.45 ERA and 4.53 FIP with a 9.4 K/9 rate that was a huge dropoff from his elite 13.8 K/9 in 2022 and 13.6 K/9 in 2023. He is "pacing himself" this spring, but his velocity was noticeably down in his two innings against the Baltimore Orioles. He's a high-risk pick in the middle rounds of your fantasy baseball drafts at this point, especially with renewed velocity concerns. He has a very high ceiling but a low floor as well. He's ranked as the No. 38 pitcher in the RotoBaller rankings, so avoid reaching for him as a top talent unless you've already built in depth or are confident you can get reliable, high-floor options later in your draft

7 days ago

Jurickson Profar • LF • Braves

MLBPA to Challenge Jurickson Profar's 162-Game Ban

The Major League Baseball Players Association plans to challenge the league's intention to suspend outfielder Jurickson Profar for 162 games after a second violation of the league's performance-enhancing drug policy in the last year, a source told Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic. The 33-year-old Profar was suspended for 80 games in his first year in Atlanta in 2025, and now he's looking at missing all of 2026 and forfeiting all of the $15 million he was scheduled to earn. It is highly unlikely that the 162-game suspension will be overturned, so fantasy managers need to cross Profar off their cheat sheets for upcoming drafts. It's a big blow to Atlanta's lineup, as Profar was expected to serve as the primary designated hitter this year while potentially hitting second in the batting order behind outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr.

Mar 3

Jurickson Profar • LF • Braves

Jurickson Profar Facing 162-Game Ban After Second PED Violation

Atlanta Braves outfielder Jurickson Profar is facing a 162-game suspension after testing positive for a performance-enhancing drug for the second time in the last year, sources told Jeff Passan of ESPN. Profar becomes the sixth player in MLB history to receive a 162-game suspension for PED use, and he will forfeit the entirety of his $15 million salary and be ineligible for the 2026 postseason. He also won't be allowed to play for the Netherlands in the upcoming World Baseball Classic. Profar was suspended 80 games on March 31 of last year for human chorionic gonadotropin, a hormone that can encourage testosterone production. After his return in July of 2025, Profar hit .245/.353/.434 with 14 home runs and 43 RBI while playing left field in Atlanta. Profar was set to mostly be a DH in 2026, but now that he's out for the year, the Braves could use catcher Drake Baldwin more in that spot once Sean Murphy (hip) returns from injury. Fantasy managers will obviously want to remove Profar from their draft boards.

Mar 3

Ronald Acuña Jr. • RF • Braves

Ronald Acuna Jr. Hits Grand Slam in Grapefruit League Game

Atlanta Braves superstar outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. looked to be in midseason form in Friday's Grapefruit League win over the Boston Red Sox, going 2-for-3 with a grand slam, three runs scored, two stolen bases, a walk, and a strikeout. The grand slam was Acuna's first spring homer, and it came in the third inning off minor-league pitcher Steven Brooks. The 28-year-old has already torn the ACL in his knee twice, but he's still worth the risk in all fantasy baseball drafts in the first round as a top-10 overall player. The Venezuelan outfielder hit .290/.417/.518 with a .935 OPS, 21 home runs, 42 RBI, 74 runs, and nine stolen bases in 95 games played last year. The five-time All-Star and former MVP hit 40 home runs, drove in over 100 runs, and stole 73 bases in 2023, and if he starts to run more again in 2026, he'll be worth every penny if he stays healthy.

Feb 28

Spencer Strider • SP • Braves

Spencer Strider's Diminished Velocity a Cause for Concern?

Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Spencer Strider pitched two innings against the Baltimore Orioles in his 2026 Spring Training debut on Saturday, allowing two hits and an earned run while striking out two and walking none. The 27-year-old averaged just 92.7 mph on his fastball in the first inning, which could be viewed as a bit of a red flag. However, Mark Bowman of MLB.com reports that Strider is looking to "pace himself" this spring, and that he's more focused on regaining fastball shape than velocity at this point. Strider was one of the most dominant pitchers in MLB from 2022 to 2023, recording 485 strikeouts across 318 1/3 innings. However, elbow surgery knocked him out for almost all of 2024 and delayed his start to 2025. Upon his return last season, Strider struggled to regain his previous form and pitched to a 4.45 ERA and 1.40 WHIP across 125 1/3 innings (23 starts). At his best, Strider relies heavily on a dominant fastball/slider combination, so his ability to regain velocity over the course of the spring will be something for fantasy managers to monitor closely.

Feb 28

JR Ritchie • SP • Braves

JR Ritchie Tosses Two Clean Frames, Continues to Make Case for Early Promotion

Atlanta Braves right-handed pitching prospect JR Ritchie tossed two shutout frames in his spring training debut and continues to make a strong case for an early 2026 promotion. He entered the game after Atlanta southpaw Chris Sale logged two innings himself. Ritchie would not surrender a hit and would hold a 1:1 K:BB over this brief appearance. Managers should continue to keep a close eye on his development in spring training, as he could be in the mix for an early promotion, given the numerous injuries to the Atlanta starting rotation. Last summer, the 22-year-old began the campaign with High-A but was able to reach Triple-A in the second half. At Triple-A, Ritchie logged 59 2/3 innings with an impressive 3.02 ERA, 1.09 WHIP, and a 67:21 K:BB. If he continues this trajectory, he would be worth viewing as a top early-season stash candidate.

Feb 25

Chris Sale • SP • Braves

Chris Sale Signs Extension With Braves

Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Chris Sale agreed to a one-year extension to stay in Atlanta that includes a team option for the 2028 season. Before the extension, the former Cy Young winner was on track to be a free agent after the upcoming 2026 season, but this deal will keep him in Atlanta through 2027 and possibly 2028. The 36-year-old lefty has revitalized his career with the Braves, going 25-8 in 50 games over the last two seasons. He has a 2.46 ERA and 2.33 FIP with an 11.6 K/9. He missed time with a rib injury during the team's lost season last year, but this signing is a great indication that he'll start the season healthy, and that the team is confident in his return to form coming into this season.

Feb 24

Ronald Acuña Jr. • RF • Braves

Ronald Acuna Jr. Will Bat Leadoff in 2026

Atlanta Braves manager Walt Weiss said that outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. will move back into the team's leadoff spot in 2026, per Mark Bowman of MLB.com. Acuna Jr. batted third in 46 games in 2025, compared to 43 batting first. However, for his career, he's spent significantly more time leading off. Acuna Jr. has seen over 3,000 career plate appearances as a leadoff hitter, including all 735 of his plate appearances in his MVP season in 2023. From a fantasy perspective, Acuna Jr. may see fewer chances to rack up RBI from the number one slot in the batting order. However, he will be among the league leaders in plate appearances if he can stay healthy, and should have a chance to score a boatload of runs. In Acuna Jr.'s last full healthy season in 2023, he hit .337/.416/.596 with 41 home runs, 106 RBI, 149 runs scored, and 73 stolen bases.

Feb 22

Reynaldo López • SP • Braves

Reynaldo Lopez Sitting at 93-94 MPH in Camp

Atlanta Braves right-hander Reynaldo Lopez consistently sat around 93 mph and hit 94 mph during the second inning of his live batting practice session in camp on Thursday, according to Mark Bowman of MLB.com. Lopez "seems to be where he needs to be in February." The 32-year-old former reliever has proven he can be effective as a big-league starter at 94-95 mph, with the ability to dial up 98 mph when he needs it. Lopez is attempting to return from a lost season in 2025, in which he made just one start for Atlanta before having arthroscopic right-shoulder surgery. He's back to full health now, though, and is looking to bounce back to his All-Star form in 2024, when he went 8-5 with a career-best 1.99 ERA, 1.11 WHIP, and 148:42 K:BB in 135 2/3 frames. Expecting a repeat of his 2024 success would be foolish. Lopez has only gone over 70 innings in a season once since 2019, and he's a good bet to be moved back to a relief role later in 2026. He's outside RotoBaller's top-100 starting pitcher rankings.

Feb 19

Mauricio Dubón • 2B • Braves

Mauricio Dubon to Open the Year as Braves Shortstop

Atlanta Braves infielder Mauricio Dubon will be the team's starting shortstop while Ha-Seong Kim misses at least the first five weeks of the 2026 season after having surgery on his right middle finger, according to Mark Bowman of MLB.com. Defense and positional versatility are Dubon's calling card, but he did hit 10 homers and posted a .720 OPS in 492 plate appearances for the Houston Astros in 2023. He had a .651 OPS the last two seasons in Houston, not drawing more than 428 plate appearances either year. Defensively, Dubon should be able to hold down the 6 in Kim's absence after tying for the seventh-highest Fielding Run Value (six) among MLB shortstops last year. The 31-year-old Honduras native has appeared at every spot in the big leagues except catcher and pitcher, so he offers the Braves a lot of flexibility on defense. But he barely moves the needle in fantasy.

Feb 18

Hurston Waldrep • SP • Braves

Hurston Waldrep to Have Elbow Surgery on Monday

Atlanta Braves right-handed pitching prospect Hurston Waldrep (elbow) will have surgery to remove loose bodies from his right elbow on Monday, according to MLB.com's Mark Bowman. The Braves have not provided a return timeline for Waldrep, but manager Walt Weiss said he hopes that the young hurler will be able to pitch again this year. The 23-year-old will go on the 60-day injured list and probably will miss at least three months. It's a huge blow for Waldrep, who was looking like a candidate to open the 2026 season in the Braves' starting rotation due to a similar elbow injury to Spencer Schwellenbach (elbow). In 10 outings (nine starts) last year, Waldrep looked the part with a 2.88 ERA and 1.19 WHIP with 55 strikeouts and 22 walks in 56 1/3 innings. The young right-hander's development will now be pushed back, and there's a chance we won't see him in the big leagues again until 2027. UPDATE: Bowman reports that there is reason to believe that Waldrep could be pitching competitively at some point in June or July.

Feb 18

Spencer Schwellenbach • SP • Braves

Spencer Schwellenbach Undergoes Surgery, No Timeline for a Return

Atlanta Braves right-hander Spencer Schwellenbach (elbow) underwent surgery to remove loose bodies from his right elbow on Wednesday, according to Mark Bowman of MLB.com. The Braves are not providing a return timeline, but manager Walt Weiss said he hopes Schwellenbach will be able to pitch again this year. Atlanta already placed the 25-year-old on the 60-day injured list, so he will at least miss the first two months of the 2026 season, and possibly more. Pitching prospect Hurston Waldrep (elbow) is also undergoing surgery, so the Braves have even fewer starting pitching options available to them for the start of the 2026 campaign. Chris Sale, Spencer Strider, Reynaldo Lopez, and Grant Holmes will be the team's top four starters on Opening Day, with either Bryce Elder or veteran Martin Perez holding the No. 5 spot now that both Schwellenbach and Waldrep are sidelined. UPDATE: Bowman reports that there is reason to believe that Schwellenbach could be pitching competitively at some point in June or July.

Feb 18

Austin Riley • 3B • Braves

Austin Riley Looking to Return to 30-Homer Mark

Atlanta Braves third baseman Austin Riley is coming off two injury-shortened seasons, but he's feeling good going into the 2026 campaign and is hoping to return to the 30-homer mark, according to Mark Bowman of MLB.com. "If I don't hit 30-plus homers and drive in 90-100 runs, I kind of feel like it's a wash of a season," Riley said. He's one of only three Braves legends -- Hank Aaron, Eddie Mathews, and AnDruw Jones -- to have three 30-homer, 90-RBI seasons at 26 or younger. The 28-year-old had sports hernia surgery last August and was limited to 102 games, slashing .260/.309/.428 with a .737 OPS, 16 home runs, 54 RBI, and 54 runs in 447 plate appearances. Riley hit three straight opposite-field homers in batting practice on Monday and could be ready to bounce back this year. His price has dropped in fantasy, but Riley still can be a top-30 overall player in a strong Braves lineup if he can stay healthy all year.

Feb 17

Dominic Smith • 1B • Braves

Braves Add Dominic Smith on Minor-League Deal

The Atlanta Braves signed free-agent infielder Dominic Smith to a minor-league deal on Tuesday that includes a non-roster invitation to major-league spring training, according to Chad Bishop of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. The left-handed-hitting Smith has played with three different teams since the start of the 2024 season, spending last year with the San Francisco Giants. The 30-year-old former first-rounder by the New York Mets in 2013 hit .284/.333/417 with a .750 OPS, five home runs, 33 RBI, 26 runs scored, and two steals in 63 games (225 plate appearances). Smith has some experience in left field in his nine-year MLB career, but he hasn't played anywhere besides first base since 2021. He'll give the Braves some veteran depth behind Matt Olson, and Smith will likely begin the 2026 campaign at Triple-A Gwinnett. Smith remains off the fantasy radar in all leagues.

Feb 17

Hurston Waldrep • SP • Braves

Hurston Waldrep May Need Surgery

If Atlanta Braves right-handed pitching prospect Hurston Waldrep (elbow) needs surgery on his right elbow, the assumption is that he would need roughly three months to recover, according to Mark Bowman of MLB.com. If Waldrep avoids going under the knife, he might just need at least three weeks of rest. It all depends on what Dr. Keith Meister sees. A decision on the 23-year-old is expected to come this week. Either way, Waldrep is going to start the 2026 season on the injured list. The former 24th overall pick in 2023 out of the University of Florida made 10 appearances (nine starts) for the Braves last year and looked great, going 6-1 with a 2.88 ERA (3.21 FIP) and 1.19 WHIP with 55 strikeouts and 22 walks in 56 1/3 innings pitched. Waldrep should eventually have a place in Atlanta's starting rotation, but 2026 could end up being a lost season for him if he needs surgery.

Feb 17

JR Ritchie • SP • Braves

JR Ritchie Drawing "Excitement" in Camp, Making Case to Earn Starting Role

Atlanta Braves starting pitching prospect JR Ritchie is drawing "excitement" in the early stages of camp and continues to make a strong case to begin the season in the MLB rotation. Ritchie is currently ranked as the team's No. 2 prospect on MLB.com and the sport's overall No. 86 prospect. Last summer, the 22-year-old opened the season at High-A but was able to progress through the upper levels at a fast rate, and concluded the campaign with Triple-A. At High-A, he posted a dominant 1.30 ERA with a 0.79 WIHP across a 41 2/3-inning stint. Through 98 1/3 innings shared between Double-A and Triple-A, Ritchie held an impressive 3.20 ERA, 1.10 WHIP, and a 102:44 K:BB. However, his path to the majors has become quite clear, following the injury to Spencer Schwellenbach (elbow) and, more recently, Hurston Waldrep being shut down with elbow discomfort. He is a top name to monitor throughout spring training.

Feb 16

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