Atlanta Braves News

EAST

Tyler Mahle • SP • Braves

Tyler Mahle Emerging as a Waiver-Wire Target Amidst Current Surge

Since being acquired by the Atlanta Braves from the San Francisco Giants at the trade deadline, veteran right-hander Tyler Mahle has gotten hot on the mound. Across 18 2/3 innings (three starts) for the Braves, Mahle has allowed just three earned runs while recording 19 strikeouts. The 31-year-old's overall line for the season isn't great, as he's recorded a 4-10 record with a 4.53 ERA, 1.31 WHIP, and 108 strikeouts across 113 1/3 innings (21 starts). However, Mahle is now in a much better position to rack up wins following the move to Atlanta, and pitching for a contender may have been the jolt he needed to revitalize his 2026 campaign. Mahle had an extended stretch of high-end production as recently as 2025, when he pitched to a 2.18 ERA and 1.13 WHIP across 86 2/3 innings (16 starts) with the Texas Rangers. As a matchup-dependent streamer, fantasy managers should consider Mahle on the waiver wire.

Yesterday

AJ Smith-Shawver • SP • Braves

AJ Smith-Shawver to Start on Wednesday Against Twins

The Atlanta Braves will start right-hander AJ Smith-Shawver on Wednesday against the Minnesota Twins, according to Gabe Burns of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. It will be only Smith-Shawver's second start in the big leagues this year after returning from Tommy John surgery. His first start with Atlanta in 2026 came on July 29 against the division-rival New York Mets, when he allowed two earned runs on four hits while walking two and striking out four in only 4 1/3 innings for a no-decision. The 23-year-old former seventh-rounder in 2021 has fared better in seven minor-league starts (28 2/3 innings) this year with Single-A Augusta and Triple-A Gwinnett, going 2-0 with a 1.57 ERA, 0.98 WHIP, and 34:9 K:BB. Whether Smith-Shawver sticks around in Atlanta for more starts going forward could depend on how he does in his start on Wednesday against the Twins. In his first three years in the big leagues, Smith-Shawver posted a 3.77 ERA (4.79 FIP) and 1.29 WHIP with 66 strikeouts and 34 walks in 74 innings across 16 outings (15 starts). UPDATE: Smith-Shawver is expected to stay in Atlanta's rotation behind his start on Wednesday.

2 days ago

Eric Hartman • CF • Braves

Eric Hartman Slumping in August, But Elite Speed is Intriguing

Atlanta Braves outfield prospect Eric Hartman is slumping to start the month of August at Double-A Columbus, hitting just .152 for the Clingstones with no homers or RBI. Hartman has split time between two minor league levels this season and has generally produced with 24 combined homers and 64 RBI to go with 81 runs scored and 45 stolen bases while hitting .265. The steals jump off the page for the 20-year-old, and his speed could be a weapon at the big-league level and for future fantasy rosters. The No. 2 overall prospect for the Braves has a 70-grade speed tool with a 55-grade hit tool. He looks like a future fantasy contributor because of the stolen base potential, but at Double-A at age 20, he will likely need some more work in the minors before breaking through at the big league level with Atlanta.

Aug 13

Matt Olson • 1B • Braves

Matt Olson Showcasing Elite Upside with Power Surge in August

Across 529 plate appearances in 2026, Atlanta Braves first baseman Matt Olson is hitting .264/.340/.549 with 35 home runs, 74 RBI, 86 runs scored, and two stolen bases. The lefty slugger has been a consistent source of high-end power in Atlanta all season long, but he's been especially productive of late. Across his first 46 plate appearances of August, Olson has already hit six home runs. After hitting 54 homers in 2023, Olson logged back-to-back seasons with 29 dingers. He looks to have gotten back to his 2023 form in 2026, as his 15.6% barrel rate is his highest since that breakout year. Olson's hard-hit rate also remains over 50%, which helps keep his batting average in a respectable place despite his slightly elevated 25.3% strikeout rate. With his ability to hit for power and his place in the stellar Braves lineup, Olson profiles as a high-end fantasy first baseman who should continue to provide elite four-category production.

Aug 13

Ronald Acuña Jr. • RF • Braves

Ronald Acuna Jr. Extends Hit Streak With Two-Homer Game Against Marlins

Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. could be in the midst of coming alive offensively after what was a disappointing and injury-plagued first half of the season. In the team's 11-3 blowout win over the division-rival Miami Marlins at Truist Park on Thursday, Acuna went 2-for-5 at the plate with two home runs and three RBI to extend his current hitting streak to a modest five games. It was the 28-year-old's second multi-homer game of the season and the 16th time in his career. During his five-game hitting streak in August, Acuna has gone 6-for-21 (.286) with three home runs, four RBI, and five runs scored. Since returning from his second stint on the injured list this year with hamstring issues, Acuna has hit .205 (8-for-39) with a .792 OPS, four homers, five RBI, eight runs scored, three walks, and 12 strikeouts in just 10 games played. The former MVP still has the talent to be a difference-maker down the stretch, but it's a bit worrisome that he hasn't been running yet since his return. Acuna is now slashing .244/.358/.436 on the season with a .794 OPS, 11 homers, 27 RBI, 15 steals, and 39 runs scored in his 234 at-bats.

Aug 7

Eric Hartman • CF • Braves

Braves No. 3 Prospect Eric Hartman Earns Call to Double-A

Atlanta Braves outfield prospect Eric Hartman has enjoyed a dominant showing at the High-A level in 2026 and is being rewarded with a promotion to Double-A, per MiLB Central. Hartman is currently viewed as the No. 3 prospect in the system on MLB.com and the overall No. 80-ranked prospect in the sport. Hartman joined the Braves in the 20th round of the 2024 MLB Draft but has quickly put himself on the radar of all dynasty fantasy managers. This season, through 94 games at Rome, Hartman has held a .273/.364/.525 slash line with 18 doubles, 24 home runs and 38 stolen bases. This is worth noting, as he carried a much lower .248/.344/.374 line across 83 games at Low-A the season prior. While he won't be on the redraft radar until late in the 2027 season, Hartman is quickly rising up dynasty boards and is a name to keep a close eye on during the final stretch.

Aug 3

Tyler Mahle • SP • Braves

Braves Acquire Starting Pitcher Tyler Mahle From the Giants

The Atlanta Braves acquired right-hander Tyler Mahle from the San Francisco Giants on Sunday in exchange for pitcher Anthony Molina, sources familiar with the deal told Robert Murray of FanSided. Mahle will move to the National League East after going a disappointing 3-9 with a 5.13 ERA (4.38 FIP) and 1.39 WHIP with 89 strikeouts and 37 walks in 94 2/3 innings across 18 starts in 2026 in his first year with San Francisco. He will bring a veteran presence to Atlanta's starting rotation and will immediately help replace right-hander Reynaldo Lopez (knee), who was placed on the 15-day injured list on Sunday. Mahle has been extremely hit or miss for fantasy managers in deeper leagues this year, and although he struck out a season-high nine batters on Saturday in San Diego against the division-rival Padres, he also allowed five earned runs in 5 2/3 innings for a no-decision. In four starts (22 1/3 frames) in July, Mahle was decent with a 2.82 ERA, six walks, and 16 strikeouts. Fantasy managers in most mixed leagues can continue to ignore him, but his value should increase with the move to the first-place Braves. Mahle is rostered in only 6% of Yahoo leagues.

Aug 2

Bailey Falter • SP • Braves |

Lane Thomas • CF • Braves

Lane Thomas, Bailey Falter Traded to the Braves

Kansas City Royals outfielder Lane Thomas and left-handed pitcher Bailey Falter were traded to the Atlanta Braves on Saturday, according to Mark Feinsand of MLB.com. There is no return package for the Royals yet, but that should be announced shortly. This season, Thomas is slashing .230/.325/.392 with 10 home runs, 37 RBI, and seven stolen bases across 96 games. He doesn't have great stats, but he excels against left-handed pitching. Thomas remains a deep league option, but a move to a better lineup in Atlanta should help his fantasy value. As for Falter, he owns a 13.97 ERA across five appearances this season. He's unlikely to be fantasy relevant unless the Braves work their magic on him.

Aug 1

Spencer Schwellenbach • SP • Braves

Spencer Schwellenbach Aiming to Return in September

Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Spencer Schwellenbach (elbow) has been successfully throwing bullpen sessions at the team's Spring Training complex and will continue to do so next week. His velocity has yet to reach the level it did last year, when he averaged 97.1 mph on his fastball, but neither he nor the team is concerned about that. In fact, Schwellenbach believes that once he begins pitching in games, his velocity will return to where it was last season when he was healthy. As it stands, he will fly back to Florida to continue his recovery, with the hope of beginning a rehab assignment in late August. Given that timeline, there is a window for him to return to the Braves in time for the final two to three weeks of the season. It is also worth mentioning that it has yet to be determined whether he will return as a starter or in a relief role. Despite his limited projected availability and the possibility of a role change, his fantasy relevance is still notable, since his upside is high enough to warrant a stash in most fantasy leagues, especially since his return could coincide with the fantasy baseball playoffs.

Aug 1

Eric Hartman • CF • Braves

Eric Hartman Off to Stellar Age-20 Season at High-A

Atlanta Braves outfield prospect Eric Hartman continued a stellar season at High-A Rome with a two-homer game on Wednesday night, complete with four RBI. Hartman continues to mash at Rome, with the left-handed hitter tallying 24 homers, 63 RBI, 71 runs scored, and 37 stolen bases while hitting .278. It's been a remarkable year for Hartman at High-A, but fantasy managers will still want to take a wait-and-see approach to see if he can master Double-A and Triple-A in the same fashion. Hartman is just 20 years old and has the prospect pedigree as the Braves' No. 2 overall prospect. So he's definitely a name to monitor in dynasty leagues, especially with the stolen base potential, but he will likely need more time to advance through the minors before even thinking about a big league debut. The start at High-A is extremely enticing, but he'll have to prove himself a little more.

Jul 30

Mauricio Dubón • LF • Braves

Mauricio Dubon Slumping, Falling Off Fantasy Radar

Braves outfielder Mauricio Dubon has struggled mightily over his last 15 games, hitting .186 with a .210 OBP and .271 slugging percentage. His strikeout rate is on pace to reach a career high, and his inability to make consistent contact has contributed to his recent decline. Dubon is now slashing .260/.311/.403 with a .714 OPS after an outstanding start to the season. The 32-year-old should continue to receive regular playing time as the Braves enter August, giving him an opportunity to break out of his slump. However, his recent production has significantly lowered his fantasy value. Managers can leave Dubon on the waiver wire until he begins to show more consistency at the plate.

Jul 29

Ronald Acuña Jr. • RF • Braves

Ronald Acuna Jr. Reinstated From Injured List

Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. (hamstring) was reinstated from the 10-day injured list Monday after missing more than six weeks with a Grade 1 left-hamstring strain. Acuna went 6-for-26 with one home run across nine rehab games between the Florida Complex League and Triple-A Gwinnett. He had been sidelined since aggravating the same hamstring on June 9, marking his second IL stint for the injury this season. Acuna returns batting .251 with seven home runs, 22 RBI, 31 runs, and 15 stolen bases through 53 games. Fantasy managers can activate him immediately, though his repeated hamstring trouble remains the main concern. Atlanta optioned outfielder Brewer Hicklen to Triple-A Gwinnett in the corresponding move, removing Hicklen from the active roster and eliminating any short-term redraft value he had gained during Acuna's absence.

Jul 27

Raisel Iglesias • RP • Braves

Raisel Iglesias Charged With Blown Save as Struggles Linger

Atlanta Braves right-handed closer Raisel Iglesias continued to struggle on Sunday in the team's 3-2 extra-inning win over the hosting Baltimore Orioles at Camden Yards and was charged with his second blown save of the season. In his inning of work, Iglesias allowed an unearned run with a walk and a strikeout. The blown save was aided by an error from second baseman Ozzie Albies, but this was Iglesias' second blown save in his last eight outings after he locked down his first 17 save chances of the year. The 36-year-old veteran from Cuba is 0-2 on the season with a 2.43 ERA (2.84 FIP), 1.08 WHIP, 21 saves, 43 strikeouts, and eight walks in 37 relief innings in 2026 in his 12th year in the big leagues. Iglesias definitely hasn't been as sharp in 9 2/3 innings in 10 outings in July, allowing seven runs (six earned) on 10 hits (three homers) while walking two and striking out 13, but he probably isn't in any imminent danger of being demoted from the closer role, especially with top setup man Robert Suarez (elbow) currently on the injured list.

Jul 27

Ronald Acuña Jr. • RF • Braves

Ronald Acuna Jr. Not Returning on Sunday Against Orioles

Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. (hamstring) is not being reinstated from the 10-day injured list for the team's series finale in Baltimore on Sunday against the Orioles, according to MLB.com. Mike Yastrzemski is making the start in right field for Atlanta and will bat eighth against Orioles right-hander Shane Baz. Acuna is believed to be ready to go following his second IL stint due to a left-hamstring strain, but the Braves are being cautious with him. He likely would have returned this weekend in Baltimore had his minor-league rehab game with Triple-A Gwinnett not been rained out on Friday. Barring something unforeseen, the Braves should activate the former MVP for Monday's series opener versus the division-rival New York Mets. The 28-year-old Venezuelan outfielder has been a massive disappointment for fantasy managers so far in 2026 because of his hamstring issues, but he still has five-category upside and could be a difference-maker down the stretch. Acuna will be returning to a .251/.373/.421 slash line with a .793 OPS, seven home runs, 22 RBI, 15 stolen bases, and 31 runs scored across his 195 at-bats.

Jul 26

AJ Smith-Shawver • SP • Braves

It's Time To Stash AJ Smith-Shawver

Atlanta Braves starting pitcher AJ Smith-Shawver (elbow) is set to make one more rehab start this week for Triple-A Gwinnett after throwing 86 pitches in his most recent outing on Thursday. The 23-year-old has been impressive during his rehab assignment, recording 21 strikeouts over 17.2 innings while posting a 1.53 ERA and 1.19 WHIP. The expectation is that this upcoming start will be his final one before being activated by the Braves, allowing fantasy managers to add him now before his value rises. Smith-Shawver has shown success in the past, posting a 3.86 ERA with a 22.0% strikeout rate in 2025 before suffering an elbow injury that required Tommy John surgery in June 2025. Now that he is on the verge of returning to Atlanta, he could be a prime candidate to replace the struggling Reynaldo L pez, who has allowed nine earned runs over his last two starts.

Jul 25

Ronald Acuña Jr. • RF • Braves

Ronald Acuna Jr. Playing in Minor-League Doubleheader Saturday

Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. (hamstring) will play in a doubleheader on Saturday for Triple-A Gwinnett after Friday's minor-league game was rained out. Braves manager Walt Weiss expects the superstar to play seven innings in each game, eliminating the possibility of him being reinstated from the Injured List today. Weiss also mentioned that he is waiting to hear from the 28-year-old outfielder when he feels ready to return, though it is expected to happen sooner rather than later. Acu a has hit one home run, stolen one base, and is batting .217, but those aren't the numbers that concern the Braves. Instead, the team has focused on the quality of his contact, as the former All-Star has hit 14 balls in play at 95 mph or harder. All that being said, he is close to returning and should be immediately inserted into all fantasy lineups once he is finally reinstated from the Injured List.

Jul 25

Ronald Acuña Jr. • RF • Braves

Ronald Acuna Jr. Unlikely to Rejoin Braves This Weekend

It now appears unlikely that Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. (hamstring) will come off the 10-day injured list to join the team for their series this weekend in Baltimore against the Orioles, according to Chad Bishop of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Acuna was expected to play in his final minor-league rehab game with Triple-A Gwinnett on Friday, but the Stripers' game was postponed due to inclement weather, and manager Walt Weiss said that Acuna could play both games of the twin bill with Gwinnett on Saturday. The most likely scenario now is that the Braves give Acuna the day off on Sunday before activating him for Monday's series opener in New York against the division-rival Mets. The 28-year-old Venezuelan and former MVP has been on the IL twice this year due to left-hamstring strains, which is why his counting stats are down in 2026. Acuna is hitting just .251 (49-for-195) with seven home runs, 22 RBI, 15 stolen bases, and 31 runs scored in his 195 at-bats, but he can be a difference-maker for fantasy managers down the stretch if he stays healthy.

Jul 24

Ozzie Albies • 2B • Braves

Ozzie Albies Could be Buy-Low Target

Atlanta Braves second baseman Ozzie Albies was one of the best hitters in the game to begin the season. Since May 1, Albies is slashing .234/.289/.381, which has certainly been a bummer for fantasy managers. Overall, Albies hasn't posted bad stats with 15 home runs and 55 RBI while slashing .262/.314/.430 in 101 games. He earned himself his fourth trip to the All-Star Game despite not having a ton of success at the plate over the last few months. His cold spell at the plate might make him easier for fantasy managers to buy-low on him right now. Albies is a consistent enough bat, but his struggles over the last few weeks might be enough to pry him away from fantasy managers.

Jul 23

Michael Harris II • CF • Braves

Michael Harris II is Intriguing Sell-High Option

Atlanta Braves outfielder Michael Harris II is enjoying a bounce-back season at the plate. Through 95 games, Harris is slashing .296/.325/.499 with 18 home runs, 60 RBI, and six steals. There is a good chance that Harris sets a new career high in homers this season. The 2026 season is the best Harris has looked at the plate since his sophomore campaign in 2023. The hope is that the 23-year-old continues to hit like this, but fantasy managers should cash in now. Harris has sky-high value at the moment, so fantasy managers should take advantage and sell high on him.

Jul 23

Chris Sale • SP • Braves

Chris Sale Strikes Out 11 in 11th Win on Thursday Over Padres

Atlanta Braves left-hander Chris Sale continued his excellent 2026 season in Thursday's 6-5 win over the visiting San Diego Padres in the series finale at Truist Park. Sale allowed three earned runs (all in the second inning) on five hits while walking one and striking out a season-high 11 batters in six innings to earn his 11th win of the year and drop his season ERA to 2.19, which is the second-lowest in the majors. The 37-year-old veteran southpaw, former Cy Young winner, and 10-time All-Star has managed to stay healthy in his 16th year in the big leagues and now has a 1.05 WHIP with 134 strikeouts and 26 walks across 111 innings pitched and 19 starts. Sale will be a no-brainer must-start (as he always is) in his next scheduled outing against the last-place New York Mets. In his first meeting with the Mets on the Fourth of July, he won his ninth game, allowing three earned runs while walking two and striking out only three in five innings of work.

Jul 23

Atlanta Braves News

LEGEND