Atlanta Braves News

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Spencer Strider • SP • Braves

Spencer Strider Strikes Out Eight in Rehab Outing on Tuesday

Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Spencer Strider (oblique) was excellent in his rehab outing with Triple-A Gwinnett on Tuesday, throwing 4 1/3 scoreless innings with eight strikeouts while allowing just one hit and one walk. Strider threw 65 pitches, 46 of which went for strikes. The 27-year-old was placed on the 15-day injured list with a left oblique strain before the start of the 2026 season, but he appears to be on the doorstep of returning to the big leagues. Strider struggled through a down year in 2025, posting a 7-14 record with a 4.45 ERA and a 1.40 WHIP across 125 1/3 innings (23 starts). However, the hard-throwing right-hander is still just a few seasons removed from his 281-strikeout campaign in 2023. When healthy and pitching well, Strider's fantasy upside remains through the roof.

7 hours ago

Raisel Iglesias • RP • Braves

Raisel Iglesias Avoids Structural Damage in Injured Shoulder

An MRI on the injured shoulder of Atlanta Braves closer Raisel Iglesias (shoulder) showed no structural damage, per Mark Bowman of MLB.com. Atlanta placed Iglesias on the 15-day injured list on Tuesday due to inflammation in his right shoulder, but Bowman reports that the team is hopeful Iglesias will avoid a lengthy absence. The 36-year-old was off to a strong start to the season before getting injured, posting a 0.00 ERA and 0.69 WHIP with 11 strikeouts and five saves across 8 2/3 innings (eight games). While it sounds as though Iglesias avoided major injury, Atlanta could choose to play it safe with Iglesias and let him fully recover before bringing him back. Veteran right-hander Robert Suarez is the obvious ninth-inning replacement for Iglesias in Atlanta and should be rostered in all fantasy formats.

7 hours ago

Dylan Lee • RP • Braves

Dylan Lee Worth a Speculative Pickup in Deeper Leagues for Saves?

The Atlanta Braves bullpen is due for a shakeup going forward after the team placed closer Raisel Iglesias (shoulder) on the 15-day injured list on Tuesday. Right-hander Robert Suarez picked up a save over the weekend with Iglesias unavailable, and he's fully expected to see most of Atlanta's save opportunities with Iglesias sidelined for at least 15 days. Left-handed reliever Dylan Lee could also be worth consideration off the waiver wire in deeper fantasy baseball leagues with Iglesias sidelined. In his sixth season with the team, the 31-year-old southpaw has allowed just one earned run on five hits while walking two and striking out nine in his 10 innings of work in 11 appearances out of the bullpen. Lee had his first two career saves for the Braves last year and should be relied on more in high-leverage situations out of the bullpen late in games going forward with Iglesias on the shelf. In addition to potential save chances in the coming days and weeks, Lee has a career 28.9% strikeout rate and could also be an asset in leagues that reward points for holds.

14 hours ago

Ronald Acuña Jr. • RF • Braves

Ronald Acuna Jr. Back in Leadoff Spot on Tuesday After Injury Scare

Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. (hand) is back in right field and in the leadoff spot for the Braves on Tuesday against the Washington Nationals and left-hander Foster Griffin, according to MLB.com. Acuna was hit by two pitches on Monday night and was removed after the second one hit his left hand. Thankfully, X-rays came back negative, and he was considered day-to-day with a hand contusion. The 28-year-old five-time All-Star and former MVP should be returned to all starting lineups immediately for the second game of the series in D.C. Acuna has gotten off to a middling start in 2026, slashing .244/.359/.360 with a .720 OPS, just one home run, five RBI, 10 runs scored, and four stolen bases, but he has five-category potential and should eventually heat up for the Braves. This will be the first time in his career that he has faced Griffin.

14 hours ago

Robert Suarez • RP • Braves

Robert Suarez a Must-Add Candidate Following Major Injury in Bullpen

Atlanta Braves relief pitcher Robert Suarez is expected to take on closer duties following the injury to primary closer Raisel Iglesias. On Tuesday morning, the Braves shifted Iglesias to the 15-day injured list with right-shoulder inflammation, opening up the ninth inning for Suarez. Suarez joined the Braves in free agency but was the top closer in San Diego for each of the past two seasons. In 2024, Suarez tallied 36 saves while holding a 2.77 ERA and a 1.05 WHIP. In the following campaign, Suarez tallied a career-best 40 saves for the Padres while carrying a similar 2.97 ERA with a 0.90 WHIP. This season, Suarez has operated in a set-up role in the bullpen, tallying four holds while posting a near-perfect 0.93 ERA, pitching primarily in the eighth inning. While southpaw Dylan Lee should see occasional save opportunities against left-handed lineups, Suarez projects to see the bulk of the opportunities for the foreseeable future, making him a priority waiver wire candidate in all standard formats.

19 hours ago

Raisel Iglesias • RP • Braves

Raisel Iglesias Placed on 15-Day Injured List with Shoulder Inflammation

The Atlanta Braves are placing closer Raisel Iglesias (shoulder) on the 15-day injured list with right-shoulder inflammation. Iglesias was unable to pitch earlier on the weekend due to a shoulder injury, but was cleared to take the bump on Sunday, suggesting this was a minor injury. However, the Braves have shifted their top-ninth-inning option to the injured list earlier this morning, which will keep him sidelined for at least the next 15 days. Iglesias has enjoyed a dominant start to the season and was re-establishing himself as an elite reliever in fantasy. Through 8 2/3 innings, Iglesias did not allow a run, tallied five saves, and carried a stellar 0.69 WHIP. He struck out hitters at a 35.5% rate while walking just 3.2% of the batters he faced. With Iglesias on the shelf, fantasy managers should expect set-up man Robert Suarez to slide into the ninth-inning role and carry high-end value in all standard leagues.

19 hours ago

Drake Baldwin • C • Braves

Drake Baldwin Emerging as Elite Catcher After Another Two-Hit Effort

Atlanta Braves catcher Drake Baldwin continued his hot start to the 2026 season in his team's 9-4 win over the Washington Nationals on Monday, going 2-for-4 with a walk, two RBI, and two runs scored. The 25-year-old is now hitting .313/.377/.500 with five home runs, 21 RBI, and 23 runs scored across his first 106 plate appearances of the year. Entering play on Monday, Baldwin's 16.2% barrel rate was nearly higher than his 17% strikeout rate. Atlanta also regularly deploys Baldwin at designated hitter on days where he needs a break from his duties behind the plate, which should lead to him logging significantly more plate appearances than other catchers around the league. Given his spot in the heart of an excellent Braves lineup and his own standout production, Baldwin currently profiles as an elite fantasy catcher.

Yesterday

Bryce Elder • SP • Braves

Bryce Elder Punches Out Six in Third Victory, Entering Must-Start Status?

Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Bryce Elder picked up his third win of 2026 on Monday by going 6 2/3 innings in his team's 9-4 victory over the Washington Nationals. Elder allowed three hits, three earned runs, and two walks while striking out six. The 26-year-old is off to a very strong start to the season, as he's posted a 3-1 record with a 1.50 ERA, 0.97 WHIP, and 29 strikeouts across 30 innings (five starts). Elder struggled to a 5.30 ERA across 156 innings with Atlanta in 2025, so some regression could be coming over a larger sample size. Still, the lefty has improved his strikeout rate by a considerable margin and has a good chance to pick up wins every time he takes the mound while pitching for the Braves. Elder profiles as a waiver wire target in leagues where he's not already rostered.

Yesterday

Ronald Acuña Jr. • RF • Braves

Ronald Acuna Jr. Day-to-Day After Being Hit on the Hand on Monday

Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. (hand) was pulled from Monday's game early against the Washington Nationals after being hit by a pitch on his left hand, the team announced. Thankfully, X-rays on Acuna came back negative, and he's considered day-to-day. Before leaving the eventual 9-4 win in D.C., Acuna was 0-for-1 at the plate with two hit-by-pitches, a run scored, and a strikeout. It doesn't sound like a serious injury for the All-Star right fielder, but fantasy managers will need to check back on Acuna's status on Tuesday to see if he's ready to participate in Game 2 of the series versus Washington. The 28-year-old former MVP, five-time All-Star, and three-time Silver Slugger winner came into Monday's series opener hitting .247/.350/.365 with a .715 OPS, a home run, five RBI, nine runs scored, and four stolen bases in 85 at-bats. His numbers don't jump off the page, but Acuna has five-category upside when he's fully healthy and is a must-start every day in traditional fantasy leagues when he's active.

Yesterday

Didier Fuentes • SP • Braves

Didier Fuentes Nearing Return to MLB Following Scratch From Triple-A Start

Atlanta Braves right-handed starting pitcher Didier Fuentes is on the verge of a return to the major leagues. On Sunday, the young right-hander saw his Triple-A start scratched as the Braves are entering a stretch of 10 games in 10 straight days. While a promotion has yet to be confirmed, managers should pay close attention to his status over the coming days, as a return could be imminent. Fuentes broke camp with the MLB roster but was deployed in a long relief role before being optioned back to Triple-A to further increase his workload. With Triple-A, Fuentes has looked quite comfortable as of late, logging 16 2/3 innings (three starts), while allowing just four runs and posting a 20:6 K:BB. Last summer, Fuentes made his MLB debut but looked quite overmatched, allowing 20 runs over 13 innings. For now, Fuentes is a viable stash option in all 12-team leagues.

Yesterday

Raisel Iglesias • RP • Braves

Raisel Iglesias Secures Save in his Return on Sunday Night

Atlanta Braves right-handed closer Raisel Iglesias (shoulder) was unavailable in a save situation in Saturday's win over the Philadelphia Phillies because he slept on his right shoulder wrong on Friday night. Iglesias was thankfully able to return in Sunday night's 4-2 win over Philly, and he secured his fifth save of the season while throwing a scoreless ninth inning with one hit allowed, one walk, and a strikeout. With Iglesias out on Saturday, right-hander Robert Suarez picked up his first save of the year in his first season with Atlanta. The 36-year-old Iglesias will need to pitch well all year to hold off Suarez for save opportunities, but right now, he's been lights-out to begin the 2026 campaign. Iglesias has yet to allow a run in his 8 2/3 innings pitched with five saves, 11 strikeouts, and just one walk in his eight relief appearances. Until further notice, fantasy managers need to continue to run him out there.

Yesterday

Sean Murphy • C • Braves

Sean Murphy Advances Rehab Assignment; Braves Nearing Catching Upgrade

Atlanta Braves catcher Sean Murphy (hip) will start for Triple-A Gwinnett on Tuesday as he continues his rehab assignment for a right hip labral tear. Murphy previously appeared for High-A Rome and is moving closer to a return in the coming weeks if he avoids setbacks. The veteran opened the season on the 10-day injured list and is expected to reclaim regular catching duties once activated. This is Murphy's third season with Atlanta after arriving in a trade from the Athletics. His production dipped last year, as he slashed .199/.300/.409 with a .709 OPS in 94 games. However, a healthy return would give the Braves a needed boost behind the plate.

2 days ago

Spencer Strider • SP • Braves

Spencer Strider to Move Rehab Assignment to Triple-A

Atlanta Braves right-hander Spencer Strider (oblique) is expected to make his second rehab start Tuesday for Triple-A Gwinnett as he moves closer to a return in early May. Strider has yet to pitch this season while recovering from a left oblique strain, but his first outing was encouraging. He tossed 3 scoreless innings for High-A Rome on Thursday and showed strong command throughout the appearance. The 2023 National League All-Star owns elite strikeout upside when healthy and could provide a major lift for Atlanta's rotation. Strider posted a 4.45 ERA and 1.40 WHIP in 23 starts last season, but his fantasy upside remains high once activated.

2 days ago

Didier Fuentes • SP • Braves

Didier Fuentes Could Join Braves Next Week

Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Didier Fuentes had his start with Triple-A Gwinnett skipped on Sunday. The Braves are in the midst of a stretch of 10 games in 10 days. With that being said, Fuentes could be needed to make a spot start or help out as a long relief option in the bullpen. The 20-year-old has already made one appearance for the Braves this season out of the bullpen. He has looked outstanding as a full-time starter in Triple-A so far this season. If he does get the call to start next week, Fuentes could be an interesting streaming option. He won't be an ideal long-term option with Spencer Strider (oblique) working his way back soon. Fantasy managers should stay tuned to see if Fuentes is asked to join the big league club this week.

2 days ago

Raisel Iglesias • RP • Braves

Raisel Iglesias Dealing With Shoulder Issue

Atlanta Braves right-handed closer Raisel Iglesias (shoulder) slept on his shoulder wrong on Friday night, which is why he was unavailable to close out the team's 3-1 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies on Saturday night, according to Mark Bowman of MLB.com. It remains to be seen if Iglesias will be available for the series finale on Sunday at Citizens Bank Park. With Iglesias unavailable on Saturday, right-hander Robert Suarez entered in the ninth inning and pitched a clean frame with two strikeouts to pick up his first save as a member of the Braves. Iglesias' shoulder injury doesn't sound very serious, which hopefully means he'll avoid an injured list stint and be available to pitch on Sunday. The 36-year-old Cuban veteran came into the 2026 campaign on shaky ground as a fantasy closer after the Braves added Suarez, but so far, he's thrown 7 2/3 shutout innings with four saves, no walks, and 10 strikeouts in seven appearances. If he continues to pitch like that and stays healthy, Iglesias will continue to be a solid option for saves in fantasy.

2 days ago

Austin Riley • 3B • Braves

Austin Riley Hits Two Home Runs in Shutout Win Over Phillies

Atlanta Braves third baseman Austin Riley could be coming out of his early-season slump at the plate after a two-homer performance in the team's 9-0 win over the Philadelphia Phillies on Friday night at Citizens Bank Park. Riley went 2-for-5 with two home runs, four RBI, and three strikeouts to raise his average to .240 and his OPS to .734 in the early going in 2026. The 29-year-old right-handed slugger has now hit three home runs in the last two games. He came into Friday's game slashing .229/.316/.329 with a .645 OPS, one homer, nine RBI, 10 runs scored, and two stolen bases in 70 at-bats. The two-time All-Star could finally be starting to heat up, especially in the power department. Injuries have hurt Riley in each of the last two seasons, but before that, he had three straight 30-home run seasons, giving fantasy managers an idea of what kind of power upside he has when he's right.

4 days ago

Spencer Strider • SP • Braves

Spencer Strider Goes 3 1/3 Scoreless Innings in Thursday's Rehab Start

Atlanta Braves right-hander Spencer Strider (oblique) made his first minor-league rehab start on Thursday with High-A Rome and gave up just one hit while walking two and striking out three in 3 1/3 shutout innings. Strider looked good, retiring the first eight batters he faced while getting up to 50 total pitches. He began the 2026 regular season on the 15-day injured list with an oblique strain that he suffered in spring training in mid-March, but he's getting closer to making his season debut in the big leagues. Strider is expected to need at least two more rehab outings before the Braves feel comfortable throwing him back into their starting rotation. Barring a setback, the 27-year-old could be back in the big leagues in early May. Until then, veteran left-hander Martin Perez could make a few more starts for Atlanta. Strider won a league-high 20 games and also led the league with 281 strikeouts in 186 2/3 innings in 2023, but he pitched in just two games in 2024 before having right-elbow surgery, and he didn't look the same in 23 starts last year. Still, Strider is worth stashing in hopes that he can rediscover his pre-surgery form in 2026.

4 days ago

Martín Pérez • SP • Braves

Martin Perez Called Up to Start on Friday for Braves

The Atlanta Braves selected the contract of veteran left-hander Martin Perez to the major-league roster on Friday, and he will make the start in the series opener against the division-rival Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. Perez recently elected free agency after he cleared waivers, but the veteran southpaw re-signed with the Braves and will now make his third start of the 2026 season. The 35-year-old Venezuelan hurler has only six strikeouts in his 14 1/3 innings pitched for the Braves in his three appearances (two starts), but he's allowed only five earned runs on nine hits while walking four. We wouldn't recommend the soft-tossing veteran lefty as a fantasy streamer for Friday night's difficult matchup on the road against the Phils, but Perez could make a couple more starts for Atlanta until Spencer Strider (oblique) is ready to make his season debut later this month or in early May.

4 days ago

Chris Sale • SP • Braves

Chris Sale Off to Strong Start in 2026

Atlanta Braves left-hander Chris Sale is off to a strong start in 2026 in his 16th year in the big leagues and his third in Atlanta, going 3-1 with a 3.27 ERA, 1.04 WHIP, and 22:6 K:BB in 22 innings pitched over his four starts. Sale bounced back nicely in his last appearance on Sunday against the Cleveland Guardians by allowing just one earned run with a walk and six strikeouts in six innings pitched. On April 6 against the Los Angeles Angels, Sale surrendered six earned runs on five hits (two homers) while walking two and striking out seven in only four innings. The 37-year-old nine-time All-Star and former American League Cy Young winner is still a strong fantasy starter, even though he's 37 years old, but durability is a major concern. Sale has made 20 starts in a season just once since 2017. He'll have a difficult upcoming matchup on Saturday against the Phillies, but Sale remains a must-start in fantasy when he's healthy.

5 days ago

Didier Fuentes • SP • Braves

Didier Fuentes a High-End Pitching Prospect Worth Stashing

Atlanta Braves pitching prospect Didier Fuentes ran into some trouble in his latest start at Triple-A Gwinnett, yielding four runs in the first inning alone, but settled in and tossed six shutout innings after that. Outside of that one inning of trouble, the Braves' third-ranked prospect has thrown 15 2/3 innings of scoreless ball and has produced a 20:6 K:BB overall. The right-hander has already made one appearance earlier this season with the Braves and made his MLB debut in June last year, days after he turned 20 years old. Veteran Martin Perez appears to be the current placeholder in the fifth spot of the rotation for now, but having been DFA'd once already this season, his hold on the job is tenuous. So long as Fuentes continues to pitch well, the Colombian should be the next name the team turns to. With major league experience already and strikeout upside that is paired with solid control (7.3 percent career walk rate in the minors), Fuentes is a strong stash option in deeper leagues ahead of his eventual return to the big leagues.

5 days ago

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