Atlanta Braves News

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Owen Murphy • SP • Braves

Braves Recall Top Prospect Owen Murphy to Majors, Will he Carve Out a Role?

Atlanta Braves right-handed pitcher Owen Murphy was recalled from Triple-A Gwinnett on Saturday, July 11, with James Karinchak optioned in the corresponding move. It is Murphy's second stint in less than a week. Braves manager Walt Weiss framed the 22-year-old as a long-relief option the first time around, so fantasy managers should not assume a rotation turn. Murphy has a 4.44 ERA, 1.26 WHIP, and 92 strikeouts over 81 minor-league innings this season, including a 3.88 ERA and 1.08 WHIP across 11 starts at Gwinnett. The strikeouts make him interesting if Atlanta gives him multiple innings at a time, but the role could leave him short on wins and volume. Murphy is rostered in just 1% of Yahoo leagues, while RotoBaller places him in the 12-team add range. He is worth a bench gamble in deeper 12-team formats and a stronger pickup in 15-team leagues.

16 hours ago

Robert Suarez • RP • Braves

Robert Suarez Hasn't Resumed Throwing, Return Not Imminent

Atlanta Braves right-handed reliever Robert Suarez (elbow) has been out since late June with inflammation in his right elbow. There was initial hope that he could return from the 15-day injured list immediately after the All-Star break on Friday, July 17, but Suarez hasn't been cleared to resume throwing yet, according to Mark Bowman of MLB.com. It means that the earliest the veteran reliever could return would likely be a week or two after the start of the second half next weekend. The 35-year-old Venezuelan hurler has lost a ton of fantasy value in his move to Atlanta in a setup role behind closer Raisel Iglesias after recording 76 saves with the San Diego Padres in 2024 and 2025. However, Suarez has still been valuable in deeper fantasy leagues with his 4-0 record, 0.56 ERA (2.46 FIP), 0.84 WHIP, four saves, and 26:6 K:BB in 32 innings pitched in his first year in Atlanta. He's rostered in just under half of Yahoo leagues while he recovers from his elbow injury.

Yesterday

AJ Smith-Shawver • SP • Braves

AJ Smith-Shawver to Make Next Rehab Start at Triple-A

Atlanta Braves right-hander AJ Smith-Shawver (elbow) will make his next minor-league rehab start with Triple-A Gwinnett on Saturday, per Chad Bishop of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Smith-Shawver has yet to pitch for the Braves this season after he underwent Tommy John surgery on his right elbow last June. The 23-year-old former seventh-round pick in the 2021 MLB draft is nearing his return to Atlanta's starting rotation for the second half of the season, though, and fantasy managers looking for rotation help should have him on their radar. In his two rehab outings with Single-A Augusta, Smith-Shawver allowed one run while striking out nine and walking none in seven innings of work. He's expected to need at least two more outings in the minors, but barring a setback, he could be reinstated from the 60-day injured list before the calendar flips to August. In 16 outings (15 starts) since debuting with the Braves in 2025, Smith-Shawver has gone 4-2 with a 3.77 ERA (4.79 FIP) and 1.29 WHIP with 66 strikeouts and 34 walks in 74 innings pitched. He's currently rostered in only 12% of Yahoo leagues.

Yesterday

Austin Riley • 3B • Braves

Austin Riley a Buy-Low Name, But Only at the Right Price?

Atlanta Braves third baseman Austin Riley is still the type of name worth checking on in trades, but this is not an automatic buy-low spot. The 29-year-old has been a major letdown with a .209 average, nine home runs, 41 RBI, five steals, and a .623 OPS over 330 at-bats. There is enough track record here to make a rebound possible, and his 10.3% barrel rate and 90.4 mph average exit velocity are not dead numbers. They are just not close to the impact profile fantasy managers are used to seeing from him. That makes the price everything. Riley's .204 xBA, .368 xSLG, 42.4% hard-hit rate, and 29.1% strikeout rate do not scream second-half league-winner, and Atlanta recently had him batting seventh. He is still rostered in 83% of Yahoo leagues, so this is a trade play only. Buy if the discount is real. Otherwise, let someone else chase the name.

2 days ago

Ronald Acuña Jr. • RF • Braves

Ronald Acuna Jr. Could Begin Rehab Assignment Next Week

Atlanta Braves manager Walt Weiss said that outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. (hamstring) could begin a minor-league rehab assignment next week, according to Mark Bowman of MLB.com. The 28-year-old former MVP and five-time All-Star has been on the injured list for the second time this year for almost a month with another hamstring strain, but he's nearing a return to action and could be ready to roll for the start of the second half on Friday, July 17, after next week's All-Star break. Lower-body injuries have been a nemesis for the Venezuelan outfielder, who is an elite five-category producer when he's fully healthy. Due to his hamstring issues, 2026 has been a disappointment in the first half for Acuna, who is slashing .251/.373/.421 with a .793 OPS, seven home runs, 22 RBI, 15 stolen bases, and 31 runs scored in his 195 at-bats. Despite not living up to his lofty standards in the first half, Acuna should be rostered in all fantasy leagues. Fantasy managers may want to attempt to buy low on him heading into next week's All-Star break.

4 days ago

Owen Murphy • SP • Braves

Owen Murphy Sent Back to Triple-A, a Safe Drop in All Leagues?

The Atlanta Braves announced on Tuesday that they optioned right-handed pitching prospect Owen Murphy to Triple-A Gwinnett after he made his major-league debut in Monday's extra-inning loss to the division-rival New York Mets. The Braves' No. 6 prospect, per MLB Pipeline, allowed two runs (one earned) on one hit in the 10th inning to take the loss while also walking a hitter and striking out one. Atlanta showed plenty of confidence in the 22-year-old in his first big-league appearance in a high-leverage spot, but he didn't rise to the occasion. Murphy's long-term role is clearly as a starter, but if he resurfaces in the majors again at some point in the second half, he might return to a bullpen role. In his first full season since recovering from Tommy John surgery, Murphy has gone 5-7 with a 4.44 ERA and 1.26 WHIP with 92 strikeouts and 38 walks in 16 starts with Double-A Columbus and Gwinnett. The 6-foot-1, 190-pounder is still an intriguing hold in dynasty/keeper leagues, but fantasy managers in single-year formats can continue to ignore Murphy for now. Murphy is rostered in just 1% of Yahoo leagues.

4 days ago

Matt Olson • 1B • Braves

Matt Olson has Another Two-Homer Game in Loss to Mets

Atlanta Braves first baseman Matt Olson has been on a home run binge of late, and that continued on Monday night in the team's 7-6, 10-inning loss to the division-rival New York Mets at Truist Park. Olson went 2-for-5 at the plate with two home runs, three RBI, a walk, and a strikeout. The 32-year-old left-handed slugger's first long ball came in the third inning against right-handed starter Freddy Peralta, and his second blast came off closer Devin Williams in the ninth inning to force extra innings. Olson wraps up a strong series against the Mets after homering twice in Friday's series opener. The former first-rounder continues to be one of the most consistent, high-end sources of power in fantasy baseball. After Monday night's strong performance, Olson is slashing .273/.344/.546 with an .890 OPS, 24 home runs, 57 RBI, 61 runs, and two stolen bases in his 348 at-bats. So far in six games in July, he's gone 6-for-25 (.240) with four homers, a double, five RBI, and seven runs scored across 28 plate appearances.

4 days ago

Owen Murphy • SP • Braves

Braves Promote Top Pitching Prospect Owen Murphy, a Top Add in All Leagues?

The Atlanta Braves announced on Monday that they selected the contract of right-handed pitching prospect Owen Murphy from Triple-A Gwinnett and placed left-hander Martin Perez (forearm) on the 15-day injured list in a corresponding move with a left-forearm contusion. Murphy, the team's No. 6 prospect per MLB Pipeline, gets his first major-league call-up after going 5-7 with a 4.44 ERA and 1.26 WHIP with 92 strikeouts and 38 walks in 81 innings in 16 starts this year with Double-A Columbus and Gwinnett. The 6-foot-1, 190-pounder is reportedly set to be a long man out of Atlanta's bullpen to close out the first half of the season, so fantasy managers in redraft leagues can hold off on spending money to pick him up off the waiver wire. In addition, pitching prospect JR Ritchie is back in the big leagues and will continue to feature in a relief role. Murphy's control has been impressive after returning from Tommy John surgery, and he has all the ingredients to be a long-term starting asset for the Braves, but that might not happen full-time until 2027.

5 days ago

Martín Pérez • SP • Braves

Martin Perez Likely Headed to Injured List

Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Martin Perez (elbow) is expected to be placed on the 15-day Injured List, according to manager Walt Weiss. Perez was forced to make an early exit from Sunday's outing after he was hit by a comebacker in the forearm. He was pulled out of the game and underwent X-rays, which came back negative. Despite the news on the X-rays, the Braves are still likely opting to place Perez on the shelf. They don't have any off days this week, so they could use another healthy arm ahead of the All-Star break. This is expected to be a minimal stint on the Injured List for Perez. He should be back shortly after the All-Star break, but the Braves should give more information on his status later.

6 days ago

JR Ritchie • SP • Braves

JR Ritchie Earns Save in Long Relief, Worth Monitoring in Deep Leagues?

Atlanta Braves pitcher JR Ritchie made an immediate impact after his recall Saturday, tossing the final three innings of a 14-3 win over the Mets. The 23-year-old allowed three hits and one walk while striking out four, earning his first career save. Ritchie now carries a 4.53 ERA, 1.42 WHIP, and 41 strikeouts over 43 2/3 innings. The save stemmed from the lopsided score and his three-inning workload rather than a shift into high-leverage relief. Atlanta recalled Ritchie primarily as rotation depth and long-relief help, and his 26 walks continue to be a concern. Still, as the Braves' No. 2 prospect, he offers upside through strikeouts and innings if he secures another rotation opportunity. Ritchie is worth monitoring in deeper leagues, especially if another spot opens, though his current role and control issues limit his appeal in standard mixed formats.

6 days ago

Ronald Acuña Jr. • RF • Braves

Ronald Acuna Jr. Takes Batting Practice on Saturday

Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. (hamstring) was able to take batting practice ahead of Saturday's game against the New York Mets. This is an encouraging sign for the slugging outfielder who has been sidelined since early June due to a hamstring injury. The Braves will likely wait and see how Acuna feels after this before they make any more decisions. Braves manager Walt Weiss mentioned that it seems unlikely that Acuna will be ready to play before the All-Star break. The Braves are expected to take the cautious approach and hold out Acuna until later in July. Fantasy managers should check back for another update on his status in a few days.

7 days ago

JR Ritchie • SP • Braves

Braves Recall No. 2-Ranked Prospect JR Ritchie to Big Leagues

The Atlanta Braves recalled second-ranked prospect JR Ritchie back to the big leagues on Saturday, according to MLB Pipeline. Ritchie, who has already made eight appearances (seven starts) for the Braves this year, is ranked 50th among all prospects in 2026. In his 40 2/3 innings at the major-league level this year, the 23-year-old former first-rounder in 2022 has gone 1-2 with a 4.87 ERA (5.59 FIP) and 1.43 WHIP with 37 strikeouts and 25 walks. His last start for the Braves came on June 23 against the San Diego Padres, when he gave up five runs (four earned) on five hits while walking four and striking out seven in five innings of work. Like fellow prospect Didier Fuentes, Ritchie could be used as more of a long-relief arm out of Atlanta's bullpen to close out the first half of the season. The Braves have six current rotation options with Ritchie, although they could be considering moving Grant Holmes to the bullpen permanently in the second half. Ritchie will need to improve his command to garner more interest in mixed fantasy baseball leagues.

7 days ago

Eric Hartman • CF • Braves

Eric Hartman a Top Dynasty Riser in the First Half

Atlanta Braves outfielder Eric Hartman enjoyed one of the most impressive first-half showings in the entire minor leagues. Through his first 73 games at the High-A level, Hartman held a sharp .292/.364/.550 slash line with 16 doubles, 20 home runs and an eye-catching 30 stolen bases. While he was a high-end speed asset at Low-A last summer, swiping 44 bags, he hit only five home runs over this noted 83-game stretch. Dynasty managers should continue to pay close attention to the 20-year-old's development, as his dynasty stock has soared over the past two months. Even though he is still viewed as Atlanta's No. 19-ranked prospect on MLB.com, he should find himself much higher on that list by the second half. If he continues at this pace, a late-season call-up to Double-A is not out of the question. Dynasty managers should continue to keep a close eye on the budding outfielder.

7 days ago

Matt Olson • 1B • Braves

Matt Olson Snaps Power Drought With Two Homers Against Mets

Atlanta Braves first baseman Matt Olson finally got back in the home run column in Friday night's 5-3 victory over the division-rival New York Mets at Truist Park, going 2-for-3 at the plate with two solo home runs, a walk, and a strikeout to raise his season average to .273 and his OPS to .883. It was the first time that Olson had cleared the fences in 16 games, and his second multi-homer performance of the 2026 season. The 32-year-old veteran left-handed slugger hit .315 (28-for-89) with four home runs, four doubles, seven RBI, 13 runs scored, and a stolen base in 23 games across 97 plate appearances during June, but he hadn't homered since June 12 before his two blasts on Friday night. With the big game, Olson is now slashing .273/.345/.538 on the season with 22 home runs, 54 RBI, 57 runs scored, and two stolen bases in his 374 plate appearances. He remains one of the most consistent power bats in fantasy, regardless of position.

Jul 3

Owen Murphy • SP • Braves

Owen Murphy Firmly on the Stash Radar Following Seven-Strikeout Effort

Atlanta Braves right-handed pitching prospect Owen Murphy is coming off another strong showing at Triple-A Gwinnett and is putting himself in position to earn a call-up to the majors in the second half of the season. On July 1, Murphy tossed six shutout innings (with just two hits) and struck out seven. Overall, since joining Triple-A this season, Murphy has logged 60 1/3 innings (11 starts) to the tune of a 3.88 ERA and a1.08 WHIP. During this stint, the right-hander has struck out 65 hitters and walked just 20 hitters. He opened the campaign with Double-A but needed just 20 2/3 innings to prove he was ready to join the top level. With the Braves dealing with many injuries to their pitching staff, including Spencer Strider and Spencer Schwellenbach, Murphy could provide them with a much-needed spark in the back of the rotation down the stretch. He is quickly emerging as a top prospect to stash among pitchers.

Jul 3

Grant Holmes • SP • Braves

Grant Holmes to Make Another Start on Friday

Atlanta Braves right-hander Grant Holmes will return to the starting rotation for Friday's series opener to take on the division-rival New York Mets, according to Mark Bowman of MLB.com. The Braves skipped Holmes' last turn through the starting rotation, and he tossed four scoreless innings with no walks and four strikeouts out of the bullpen on June 27 against the San Francisco Giants in his most recent outing. The 30-year-old will make another start against the last-place Mets in an enticing matchup this weekend, but after that, it seems the Braves prefer to move him to the bullpen on a more permanent basis for the second half of the season now that right-hander Hurston Waldrep is back in the picture. Holmes will be a pretty intriguing fantasy streamer against the Mets on Friday, but length could be an issue. He's gone 4-4 this year with a 3.96 ERA (5.19 FIP) and 1.36 WHIP with 69 strikeouts and 37 walks in 77 1/3 innings pitched across 16 appearances (15 starts). Holmes has a career-low 20.7% strikeout rate in 2026 in his third year in the league and a career-high 11.1% walk rate.

Jul 2

Hurston Waldrep • SP • Braves

Hurston Waldrep to Start on Thursday Against Cardinals

Atlanta Braves right-hander Hurston Waldrep will make his first start for the Braves this year in Thursday's series finale against the St. Louis Cardinals at Truist Park, according to MLB.com. Waldrep had surgery to remove bone spurs from his right elbow in February and didn't make his 2026 debut in the majors until last weekend out of the bullpen in Atlanta. The 24-year-old former 24th overall pick in 2023 out of the University of Florida will now temporarily take the rotation spot of the struggling Bryce Elder, but there's a good chance Waldrep will become a rotation staple for the Braves in the second half. In his lone appearance over the weekend in relief, Waldrep threw two scoreless innings with four walks and three strikeouts. He went 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 across his 10 appearances (nine starts) in 2025, making him an intriguing upside pickup off the waiver wire in all fantasy baseball leagues. For DFS purposes, Waldrep won't be ideal on Thursday, though, and will likely be on a pitch count as he continues to get stretched out. The Georgia native is rostered in only 9% of Yahoo leagues.

Jul 2

Jim Jarvis • SS • Braves

Braves to Recall Infield Prospect Jim Jarvis to Major Leagues

Atlanta Braves shortstop Jim Jarvis is returning to the MLB roster for a second stint this season. He played two games for the team in May but has spent most of the year in Triple-A with the Gwinnett Stripers. In his 76 minor-league games, he hit .313 with six homers and a .392 wOBA. He also racked up 32 stolen bases, the most he has had in any minor league season by a wide margin. He will give the Braves solid infield depth with potential speed production if he gets regular playing time. He hasn't shown a ton of power potential, but typically makes good contact and runs the bases very well. If you're searching for stolen bases and some batting average help in the middle infield, Jarvis can be a solid deep league option.

Jul 2

Hurston Waldrep • SP • Braves

Hurston Waldrep to Start for Braves on Thursday?

MLB.com's Mark Bowman said that Atlanta Braves right-hander Hurston Waldrep would be available out of the bullpen for Wednesday night's game against the St. Louis Cardinals. But if he was not used out of the bullpen, Waldrep would be a candidate to start Thursday's series finale against the Cardinals. Waldrep ended up not being used in a relief role in the team's 5-1 win on Wednesday, meaning he's likely to start Thursday's series finale. The 24-year-old didn't make his season debut with the Braves until last week after having surgery in February to remove loose bodies from his right elbow. He threw two scoreless relief innings with 55 pitches used in an appearance out of the bullpen for Atlanta last week, and now he looks primed to make his first start of 2026 on Wednesday. The former first-rounder in 2023 out of the University of Florida is most certainly worth a waiver-wire pickup for fantasy managers looking for starting upside, although he will probably have a short leash if he starts on Thursday. In 10 outings (nine starts) covering 56 1/3 innings in 2025, Waldrep impressed with a 2.88 ERA (3.21 FIP), 1.19 WHIP, and 55:22 K:BB. He's rostered in just 5% of Yahoo leagues.

Jul 2

Bryce Elder • SP • Braves

Braves Skipping Bryce Elder's Next Turn in the Rotation

The Atlanta Braves will skip right-hander Bryce Elder's next turn in the starting rotation after his velocity was noticeably down in his last start on June 27 against the San Francisco Giants, when he allowed five earned runs on five hits (two homers) while walking one and striking out four in four innings in his sixth loss of the season. The 27-year-old's next scheduled start this Friday against the division-rival New York Mets will go to right-hander Grant Holmes. Elder has a decent 4.01 ERA (3.98 FIP) and 1.23 WHIP with 83 strikeouts and 30 walks in 98 2/3 innings across 17 starts in 2026, but he has really struggled of late, surrendering 19 earned runs on 27 hits (five homers) while walking five and striking out 12 in 14 innings in his last three starts. If the Braves skip just one of Elder's starts to close out the first half of the season, his next outing should come next week against the Pittsburgh Pirates. In his first meeting against the Bucs at home on June 7, Elder allowed only two earned runs in six frames while walking two and fanning four for a no-decision.

Jul 1

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