Atlanta Braves News

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Spencer Schwellenbach • SP • Braves

Spencer Schwellenbach Progressing in Recovery, Remains Priority Stash Target

Braves right-hander Spencer Schwellenbach (elbow) appears to be making encouraging progress in his recovery from right elbow surgery performed in mid-February. While a return timeline remains unclear, the 26-year-old carries significant fantasy appeal as a stash candidate. Schwellenbach emerged as a key member of Atlanta's rotation over the last two seasons, compiling a 3.23 ERA, 1.01 WHIP, and elite command across 28 career starts. His 4.1 percent walk rate ranked in the 99th percentile, highlighting the combination of power stuff and control that fueled his success. Schwellenbach also showed improvement from 2024 to 2025 before the injury interrupted his development. Fantasy managers searching for impact pitching in the second half should continue monitoring his recovery closely as he works toward a return.

18 hours ago

Didier Fuentes • RP • Braves

Didier Fuentes Still Viewed as a Starter Long-Term, Worth Stashing in 2026?

In his return to the majors this year after allowing 20 earned runs on 23 hits (six homers) in 13 innings over his first four MLB starts in 2025, Atlanta Braves right-handed pitching prospect Didier Fuentes has gone 3-0 with a 2.66 ERA, 1.08 WHIP, and 24:8 K:BB in 20 1/3 innings over 13 appearances (only one start). He has been very reliable in a relief role for Atlanta so far in 2026, posting a 1.08 ERA, 17 strikeouts, a 29.6% strikeout rate, and a 0.72 WHIP. His strikeout rate is the fifth-highest among qualified rookies. Fuentes has been a key asset because of his ability to go multiple innings out of the 'pen -- he's already had four multi-inning appearances. The 20-year-old Colombian has pitched as a starter for most of his career, though. He has found a temporary home in the bullpen, but The Athletic's Jesus Cano writes that the Braves' long-term plan is to have Fuentes be a valuable member of their starting rotation. Fuentes is an absolute must-stash in dynasty/keeper leagues. But in redraft leagues, he's not a must-roster arm, especially since his return to a starting role may not come until 2027.

5 days ago

Spencer Schwellenbach • SP • Braves

Spencer Schwellenbach Does Some Light Tossing on Tuesday

Atlanta Braves right-hander Spencer Schwellenbach (elbow) is with the team in Boston this week and did some light throwing at Fenway Park on Tuesday, according to Chad Bishop of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Schwellenbach is only throwing on flat ground right now, but it's progress after he underwent surgery back in February to remove bone spurs from his right elbow. The 25-year-old former second-round pick in 2021 out of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln has already been ruled out for the first half of the 2026 season through the All-Star break in mid-July, but that doesn't mean he's not a stash candidate in fantasy baseball leagues. Schwellenbach was really impressive for the Braves in his first two years in the majors in 2024 and 2025, going 15-11 with a 3.23 ERA (3.27 FIP) and 1.01 WHIP with a 25.2% strikeout rate and 4.4% walk rate. He's one of the better upside stashes among pitchers at this juncture, and he's available in 70% of Yahoo leagues.

6 days ago

Spencer Schwellenbach • SP • Braves

Is Spencer Schwellenbach Worth Stashing Off the Waiver Wire Ahead of Return?

Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Spencer Schwellenbach (elbow) has yet to pitch in 2026 after undergoing surgery to remove bone spurs in his right elbow in February. However, the 25-year-old is reportedly on the verge of beginning a throwing program and could be progressing towards a mid-summer return to the big leagues. Schwellenbach showcased high-end upside in 2025, recording a 7-4 record with a 3.09 ERA, 0.97 WHIP, and 108 strikeouts across 110 2/3 innings (17 starts) before fracturing his right elbow in late June. Given his track record of elbow issues, Schwellenbach's profile carries a fair amount of injury risk for fantasy managers. Still, he's provided must-start production when healthy since making his MLB debut in May 2024. For any fantasy manager with an open roster spot, Schwellenbach could be worth targeting on the waiver wire as a stash candidate.

6 days ago

Drake Baldwin • C • Braves

Too Early to Put a Timetable on Drake Baldwin's Return

Atlanta Braves catcher Drake Baldwin (oblique) is only dealing with a Grade 1 strain of his right oblique muscle, which creates hope that he might be on the 10-day injured list for just one month, but manager Walt Weiss said it's too early to put a timetable on his return, per MLB.com. Baldwin was put on the IL on May 19, and barring a setback, he could be back with the big-league club around the middle of June. The 25-year-old National League Rookie of the Year in 2025 has yet to resume baseball activities, and until then, we won't have a clearer picture of when he might be back with the Braves. In the meantime, he should be stashed in all fantasy baseball leagues as one of the best-hitting catchers in the game in just his second season. Baldwin was hitting .303/.389/.543 with a .931 OPS, 13 homers, 38 RBI, 39 runs, and a steal in 188 at-bats before his oblique injury. Sandy Leon and Chadwick Tromp will continue to split the catching duties in Atlanta until Baldwin can return at some point next month.

6 days ago

Grant Holmes • SP • Braves

Grant Holmes on a Roll, Strikes Out 10 on Saturday Against Nats

Atlanta Braves right-hander Grant Holmes had a third straight strong start on Saturday in his outing at Truist Park against the division-rival Washington Nationals in his team's 2-0 shutout loss. Despite losing his second game of the 2026 season, Holmes made his fantasy managers happy, allowing two earned runs on six hits (two homers) while walking two and striking out a season-high 10 in five innings of work. The 30-year-old veteran allowed two solo home runs to Washington, but otherwise, he was strong, generating 18 swings and misses on 87 total pitches. Since allowing a season-high six runs (five earned) on May 1 against the Colorado Rockies at hitter-friendly Coors Field, Holmes has given up just four earned runs on 12 hits (three homers) while walking seven and fanning 19 in 15 innings in his last three starts. He has gone more than five innings just four times in his 10 starts this year, but Holmes has allowed three or fewer runs in nine of his appearances for Atlanta, and he now holds a 3.78 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, and 48:24 K:BB in 52 1/3 frames. Consider him when looking for a matchup-based streamer down the road.

May 24

Ronald Acuña Jr. • RF • Braves

Ronald Acuna Jr. Returns on Friday After Injuring his Thumb

Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. (thumb) departed Thursday's series finale against the Miami Marlins with a left-thumb bone bruise, but he's back in right field and is batting leadoff for Atlanta in Friday's series opener against the division-rival Washington Nationals and left-handed opener Richard Lovelady, according to MLB.com. Thankfully, X-rays came back negative on Acuna, who recently returned from a stint on the injured list due to a hamstring strain. It's great news for the Braves and fantasy managers, and he should be returned to all starting lineups in traditional fantasy formats. Acuna's surface stats don't look great so far in 2026, but in five games since returning from the IL, he's riding a five-game hitting streak and has gone 7-for-17 (.412) with a double, two RBI, seven runs scored, and a stolen base across 20 plate appearances. Overall, the former MVP and five-time All-Star is slashing only .261/.370/.384 with two homers, 11 RBI, seven steals, and 22 runs scored. Acuna is a five-category contributor and could just be starting to heat up.

May 22

Michael Harris II • CF • Braves

Michael Harris II has Third Straight Multi-Hit Game, Clubs Two Homers

Atlanta Braves outfielder Michael Harris II had his third straight multi-hit game on Thursday in the team's 9-3 win over the division-rival Miami Marlins, going 2-for-5 at the plate with two home runs, three RBI, and a strikeout to raise his season average to .298 and his OPS to .848. It was Harris' eighth career multi-home run game, and his second already this season. In 18 games and 68 plate appearances so far in May, he has gone 18-for-67 (.269) with five home runs, a double, nine RBI, 11 runs scored, and a stolen base. Fantasy managers have to love what they've seen from the 25-year-old former third-rounder in 2019 after he had his first 20-20 campaign with a career-high 86 RBI in 160 games played in 2025 in his fourth year in the big leagues. Harris had a career-worst .678 OPS last year despite hit 20-20 season, but so far in 2026, he has an .848 OPS with 11 total home runs, 29 RBI, 22 runs scored, and three steals in 48 games played across 176 plate appearances. Keep riding him during his current hot streak as the team goes into a series this weekend against the division-rival Washington Nationals.

May 22

Ronald Acuña Jr. • RF • Braves

Ronald Acuna Jr. Exits Early, X-Rays Come Back Negative

Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. (thumb) was forced to make an early exit from Thursday's game against the Miami Marlins. Acuna exited the game in the sixth inning due to a bone bruise on his left thumb. He suffered the injury while making a catch earlier in the contest. Before leaving the game, Acuna went 2-for-3 at the plate with two singles and two RBI. He already underwent X-rays, which came back negative. Acuna has been pushing to return to the lineup for Friday's game against the Washington Nationals. Fantasy managers should consider Acuna day-to-day. There's a chance that the superstar outfielder is back in the lineup on Friday, so fantasy managers should check back ahead of that contest.

May 21

Ha-Seong Kim • SS • Braves

Ha-Seong Kim Breaks Out of Skid Wednesday, Back on the Fantasy Radar?

Atlanta Braves shortstop Ha-Seong Kim has struggled at the plate since being activated from the injured list 10 days ago, but he broke out of a hitless skid by going 1-for-4 with an RBI single and a walk on Wednesday. Kim is now 2-for-23 with three walks and five strikeouts this year, and his .225 xwOBA suggests that he's been only a little unlucky. Kim isn't a major power or speed threat, but the 2023 season was proof that he's capable of slugging 15+ homers and swiping 35+ bags. We don't see him returning to that level of production this year, but perhaps Wednesday's RBI base knock is a sign of him tapping into a little more offensive upside. He's worth monitoring in fantasy baseball leagues so far, especially since he has eligibility at both shortstop and second base in some formats. With that said, it's a bit too early to add him off the waiver wire, especially since he's still available in 98% of leagues. He ranks as the #33 shortstop in RotoBaller's rest-of-season fantasy baseball rankings.

May 21

Drake Baldwin • C • Braves

Drake Baldwin Diagnosed With Grade 1 Oblique Strain

Atlanta Braves manager Walt Weiss said that catcher Drake Baldwin (oblique) has been diagnosed with a Grade 1 oblique strain, per Daniel Alvarez-Montes of El Extrabase. Baldwin was placed on the 10-day injured list on Tuesday. The 25-year-old had arguably been the best-hitting catcher in baseball before getting injured, hitting .303/.389/.543 with 13 home runs, 38 RBI, 39 runs scored, and one stolen base across his first 216 plate appearances of 2026. While a Grade 1 diagnosis signals a relatively minor strain for Baldwin, it's still unlikely that he will be able to return as soon as he is eligible in late May. Fellow Braves catcher Sean Murphy (finger) is also currently on the IL, leaving veterans Sandy Leon and Chadwick Tromp to handle catching duties in Atlanta for the foreseeable future.

May 19

Ronald Acuña Jr. • RF • Braves

Ronald Acuna Jr. Back in the Lineup on Tuesday

Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. (hamstring) is in the starting lineup for Tuesday's game against the Miami Marlins. He'll bat leadoff as the designated hitter against Marlins southpaw Braxton Garrett. Acuna is making his return from a two-week absence that included a stint on the 10-day injured list. Prior to injuring his hamstring on May 3, he was slashing .252/.362/.378 with two homers, seven RBI, a 13.2% walk rate, a 20.4% strikeout rate, and 111 wRC+. Acuna hasn't been as effective with the bat in his hands this season compared to years past, but he's still an above-average hitter with a nice blend of power and speed. With that said, injuries have continued to plague him, as he hasn't played 100+ games in a season since 2023, when he played 159 games while slugging 41 homers and stealing 73 bases. Acuna ranks #8 among outfielders in RotoBaller's latest fantasy baseball rankings.

May 19

JR Ritchie • SP • Braves

JR Ritchie Demoted to Triple-A

The Atlanta Braves announced on Tuesday that they optioned right-hander JR Ritchie to Triple-A Gwinnett following Monday night's game against the Miami Marlins. Ritchie, the team's No. 2 prospect per MLB Pipeline, didn't allow more than three earned runs in his first four major-league starts for the Braves after making his MLB debut on April 23 with a strong performance against the Washington Nationals, but he will head back to the farm after he surrendered six earned runs on six hits with one walk and four strikeouts in four innings in a 12-0 loss to the division-rival Miami Marlins on Monday night. The 22-year-old former 35th overall pick in 2022 is now 1-1 on the year with a 4.91 ERA (5.72 FIP) and 1.48 WHIP with 21 strikeouts and 16 walks in 25 2/3 frames across his first five major-league starts. Ritchie should be back with the Braves at some point in 2026, but for now, veteran left-hander Martin Perez will likely take his spot in the starting rotation. Ritchie is still deserving of being stashed in deeper fantasy leagues, although he's only rostered in 18% of Yahoo leagues.

May 19

Drake Baldwin • C • Braves

Braves Place Drake Baldwin on Injured List With Oblique Strain

The Atlanta Braves announced on Tuesday that they placed catcher Drake Baldwin (oblique) on the 10-day injured list with a strained right oblique muscle and selected the contract of catcher Chadwick Tromp from Triple-A Gwinnett in a corresponding move. Baldwin suffered the injury in the blowout loss to the division-rival Miami Marlins on Monday, and he's likely to spend more than 10 days on the shelf. With Sean Murphy (finger) also sidelined for the foreseeable future, the Braves will split the catching duties going forward between Tromp and veteran Sandy Leon. Fantasy managers will want to avoid that situation. The 25-year-old Baldwin, last year's National League Rookie of the Year, needs to be held in all fantasy baseball leagues as one of the top catchers in the game in just his second year in the majors. The former third-rounder in 2022 out of Missouri State is currently slashing a healthy .303/.389/.543 with a .931 OPS, 13 home runs, and 38 RBI in 48 games played. Baldwin had 19 homers and 80 RBI as a rookie in 124 games in 2025. UPDATE: Manager Walt Weiss said on Tuesday that Baldwin was sent back to Atlanta to undergo an MRI exam.

May 19

Ronald Acuña Jr. • RF • Braves

Braves Reinstate Ronald Acuna Jr. From Injured List on Monday

The Atlanta Braves announced on Monday that they reinstated outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. (hamstring) from the 10-day injured list and placed infielder Kyle Farmer (forearm) on the 10-day IL (retroactive to May 16) with a strained right forearm in a corresponding move. After speculation that the Braves might wait until Friday's series opener against the Washington Nationals to reinstate Acuna, he was activated on Monday, although he was not included in the starting lineup for Monday's series opener in Miami. The 28-year-old is available off the bench and should make his return to the starting lineup on Tuesday, perhaps as the designated hitter. Fantasy managers have to be excited that the former MVP and five-category contributor is back with the big-league club since straining his hamstring earlier this month. The five-time All-Star and three-time Silver Slugger winner hasn't played up to his standards through 127 at-bats in 2026, but he's a must-start in traditional fantasy lineups whenever he's in the lineup. He returns from the IL sporting a .252/.362/.378 slash line with a .740 OPS, only two homers, nine RBI, seven steals, and 17 runs scored.

May 18

Ronald Acuña Jr. • RF • Braves

Ronald Acuna Jr. is "Day-to-Day," Could Return on Friday

Atlanta Braves manager Walt Weiss said on Monday that outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. (hamstring) is "day-to-day" at this point, according to Chad Bishop of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Weiss added that it's not out of the question that Acuna comes off the 10-day injured list to play early this week against the Miami Marlins, but the LoanDepot Park turf is a factor in the team possibly waiting to bring Acuna back on Friday at Truist Park in Atlanta against the Washington Nationals. As of right now, the five-time All-Star isn't scheduled to go on a minor-league rehab assignment, but he also might not return until the start of the weekend. The 28-year-old superstar has been out since suffering a Grade 1 left-hamstring strain and landing on the IL on May 3. In his absence, Mike Yastrzemski has been playing right field regularly against right-handed pitching. The Braves could choose to ease Acuna back in at DH when he's activated, but either way, he should be returned to all starting fantasy lineups immediately. The former MVP was hitting a mediocre .252 (32-for-127) with two homers, nine RBI, seven steals, and 17 runs scored across 34 games at the time of his injury.

May 18

Spencer Schwellenbach • SP • Braves

Spencer Schwellenbach Worth an Add Amid Looming Return?

Atlanta Braves right-hander Spencer Schwellenbach (elbow), who is currently on the 60-day injured list after having surgery to remove bone spurs from his right elbow, is reportedly close to starting a throwing program and is worth a look on the waiver wire as a pitcher to stash. The 25-year-old is currently rostered in only 30% of Yahoo leagues. Schwellenbach won't be an option to rejoin Atlanta's starting rotation until after the All-Star break in mid-July, but for his upside alone, he's worth stashing in fantasy leagues if you have the room. The former second-rounder in 2021 out of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln has gone 15-11 in his two seasons with the Braves with a 3.23 ERA (3.27 FIP), 1.01 WHIP, and 235:41 K:BB in 234 1/3 innings pitched across 38 starts. There's plenty of risk, though, as Schwellenbach has already had Tommy John surgery and has yet to throw a full season in the Braves' big-league rotation.

May 18

Ronald Acuña Jr. • RF • Braves

Ronald Acuna Jr. to Return Next Friday?

Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. (hamstring) is taking batting practice on the field with the team on Friday, according to Mark Bowman of MLB.com. Manager Walt Weiss said that Acuna likely won't be activated from the 10-day injured list until he can play the outfield. Bowman guesses that won't be until next Friday, May 22. Acuna has been recovering nicely from a Grade 1 left-hamstring strain that landed him on the IL earlier this month, but the Braves have been careful not to rush him back. It sounds as though fantasy managers will have to wait another week before the 28-year-old former MVP and five-time All-Star is back in the everyday lineup in Atlanta. Despite a lackluster start by his standards in 2026, Acuna should be rostered everywhere. He's currently hitting .252/.362/.378 with a .740 OPS, two home runs, nine RBI, seven stolen bases, and 17 runs scored. Acuna has elite five-category skills while at the same time being a high-risk commodity because of injuries.

May 15

Ronald Acuña Jr. • RF • Braves

Ronald Acuna Jr. Won't Return on Current Homestand

Atlanta Braves manager Walt Weiss said on Wednesday that outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. (hamstring) is doing well with his agility and running, but he will not be activated from the 10-day injured list on the team's current homestand, which runs through this Sunday, May 17. The Braves are being cautious with the superstar outfielder after he landed on the IL on May 3 with a Grade 1 left-hamstring strain. It's unclear if the 28-year-old former MVP will go on a minor-league rehab assignment, but either way, it seems likely that he'll be back at some point next week. He did some sprinting up to 90 feet before Wednesday's game against the Chicago Cubs. Acuna wasn't playing at the elite level fantasy managers have become accustomed to before his hamstring injury, but he remains a must-stash, five-category contributor when he's fully healthy. Jose Azocar is making the start in right field for the Braves on Wednesday with a left-hander on the mound, and Mike Yastrzemski will continue to play in right in Atlanta against righties with Acuna out.

May 13

Ronald Acuña Jr. • RF • Braves

Ronald Acuna Jr. Sprints Up to 90 Feet on Wednesday

Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. (hamstring) tested his strained left hamstring on Wednesday by sprinting up to 90 feet, and everything looked good, according to Grant McAuley of 929 The Game. Acuna has shown good progress, but he's not ready to be reinstated from the 10-day injured list on Wednesday on the first day that he's eligible to return. It doesn't seem that the 28-year-old is far off from returning to the major-league lineup, although the Braves could be cautious and send the former MVP and five-time All-Star on a short minor-league assignment this weekend. Acuna was put on the IL on May 3 with a Grade 1 hamstring strain. There's absolutely no way that he should be available on the waiver wire in any fantasy leagues, even though he had posted underwhelming numbers by his standards before his injury with a .252/.362/.378 slash line, .740 OPS, two homers, nine RBI, seven stolen bases, and 17 runs scored in his first 34 games played in 2026. The left-handed-hitting Mike Yastrzemski has been on the strong side of a platoon in Atlanta's outfield since Acuna has been sidelined.

May 13

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