Atlanta Braves News

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. (hamstring) will play in a minor-league rehab game with Triple-A Gwinnett on Thursday night, and manager Walt Weiss said there's a possibility that he'll be activated from the 10-day injured list on Friday, according to Mark Bowman of MLB.com. But if Acuna doesn't return on Friday, he's expected to return for this weekend's series in Baltimore against the Orioles. Fantasy managers have been chomping at the bit to get the former MVP back in their lineups, as he's been out since early June with a Grade 1 strained left hamstring, the second time in 2026 that he's been on the IL for the same injury. While the 28-year-old Venezuelan outfielder has been a huge disappointment in fantasy this year because of injuries yet again, he still has time left to make a big difference down the stretch. The five-time All-Star and three-time Silver Slugger winner will be returning to a .251/.373/.421 slash line, .793 OPS, seven home runs, 22 RBI, 15 stolen bases, and 31 runs scored across his 195 at-bats.

Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Reynaldo Lopez took another hit Tuesday, July 21, allowing five earned runs on nine hits and three walks over 4 1/3 innings in an 8-3 loss to San Diego. He did strike out six, but Jackson Merrill and Manny Machado both took him deep. Lopez now owns a 3.95 ERA, 1.36 WHIP, and 60 strikeouts over 66 innings. St. Louis had already tagged him for four runs over five innings in his previous start, leaving nine earned runs and 14 hits across the last two. Atlanta is still using Lopez in the rotation, though he has not completed more than five innings since moving back into that role June 26. Lopez is on 24% of Yahoo rosters, and RotoBaller has dropped him to its 15-team range. The SP/RP eligibility helps. In standard mixed leagues, he is now a matchup play rather than someone who needs to be held.

Atlanta Braves right-hander AJ Smith-Shawver (elbow) has yet to pitch in the big leagues in 2026 as he works his way back from Tommy John surgery, which he underwent in June 2025. However, the 23-year-old began a minor league rehab assignment in late June and has now made four appearances in the minors, with his two most recent starts coming at Triple-A. Smith-Shawver has pitched well in his rehab outings, recording a 1.98 ERA and a 1.32 WHIP with 16 strikeouts across 13 2/3 innings. Before getting injured last season, the hard-throwing right-hander recorded a 3-2 record with a 3.86 ERA, 1.42 WHIP, and 42 strikeouts across 44 1/3 innings (nine starts). With Braves left-hander Martin Perez (forearm) landing on the injured list in early July due to a forearm contusion, Smith-Shawver should immediately have a role in the Atlanta rotation once he's ready to return to the big leagues. Particularly in deeper leagues, fantasy managers should look to stash Smith-Shawver off the waiver wire ahead of his impending return.

Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. (hamstring) played right field during a minor-league rehab game for the first time on Sunday at Triple-A Gwinnett, but manager Walt Weiss said there's no guarantee he'll come off the 10-day injured list before the team's homestand concludes this Thursday, according to MLB.com's Mark Bowman. "He's still got some days ahead of him," Weiss said. "We just want to make sure he doesn't have to try to figure it out or struggle up here. We've seen that with guys, right? It's tough to have patience because these guys move the needle. A guy like Acu a is an aircraft carrier. He moves the needle for our team. But we have to use good judgment there." The 2023 National League MVP went 0-for-2 with a sacrifice fly and a walk on Sunday and went 1-for-7 with a home run in three games in the rookie-level Florida Complex League last week. He's gone 1-for-5 in two games so far with Gwinnett. The Braves continue to show caution with Acuna, who has strained his left hamstring twice in 2026. Weiss primarily plans to use Acuna in right field when he returns, although there could be days when he's used at DH. The 28-year-old Venezuelan has hit .251 (49-for-195) with seven homers, 22 RBI, 31 runs, and 15 steals so far this year. It's been a major disappointment for fantasy managers, but Acuna still can be a difference-maker once he returns as a five-category contributor.

Atlanta Braves infielder/outfielder Mauricio Dubon has been a key utility man for the Braves in 2026 in his first season with the team, hitting .266/.318/.417 with a .735 OPS in 94 games across his 386 plate appearances. Although Dubon has never really been known for his power at the plate, he's already tied his career high of 10 home runs in his eighth year in the majors, and he's also added a career-high 53 RBI, 44 runs scored, and three steals. The 32-year-old veteran is hitting .262 (16-for-61) with a .728 OPS, two homers, three doubles, 10 RBI, nine runs scored, and a stolen base in 15 games and 67 plate appearances in the month of July. For fantasy purposes, Dubon is most appealing in deeper formats for his lack of strikeouts (14.5% strikeout rate), although he also doesn't walk much either (6.5% walk rate). Dubon is also appealing in fantasy for his eligibility at second base, third base, shortstop, and the outfield. He's currently rostered in just a hair under half of Yahoo leagues, but that number may begin to fall if he loses out on regular playing time once Ronald Acuna Jr. (hamstring) returns from the injured list in the near future.

Atlanta Braves third baseman Austin Riley has been a big disappointment so far in 2026, but he has shown a bit more power so far in July, and he went 3-for-4 at the plate with two home runs, four RBI, and a strikeout in Sunday's 8-5 win over the visiting Texas Rangers. The 29-year-old right-handed slugger is still hitting just .217/.296/.361 with a .657 OPS, 12 home runs, 47 RBI, 43 runs scored, and six stolen bases in his 355 at-bats on the season after the big performance, which shows you just how much he has struggled in his eighth year in the big leagues. The big game on Sunday was Riley's second multi-homer game of the year and the 10th of his career. He has now homered three times in his last three games, and Riley is batting .273 (15-for-55) with four home runs, a double, 10 RBI, 10 runs scored, and two stolen bases in 15 games and 62 plate appearances in July. It's been nice to see Riley pick things up a bit so far this month, but we'd caution fantasy managers looking to buy low on him since he's sitting with an expected batting average of .209 and an xwOBA of .298 (wOBA of .293).

Atlanta Braves catcher Drake Baldwin is one of the hottest hitters in baseball in the month of July, and that continued on Sunday in the team's 8-5 win over the visiting Texas Rangers at Truist Park. Baldwin went 5-for-5 at the plate with two home runs and three RBI as the leadoff hitter to boost his season average to .276 and his OPS to .843. The 25-year-old left-handed-hitting backstop is now hitting .368 (21-for-57) with a 1.050 OPS, four home runs, 15 RBI, 12 runs scored, and a stolen base in 15 games in July to raise his season slash line to .276/.362/.481. Baldwin has also homered three times in his last three games. It has been nice to see for the Braves and fantasy managers alike after Baldwin struggled to a .063/.100/.125 slash line, one homer, an RBI, three runs scored, one walk, and 22 strikeouts in 12 games in June after returning from a stint on the injured list. His two-homer game on Sunday against Texas was the second multi-homer game of his career, and it was also the first time in his career with at least four hits. It's safe to say Baldwin is now back in the flow offensively, and he could be a difference-maker in fantasy leagues in the second half.

Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Martin Perez (forearm) is expected to rejoin the starting rotation on Wednesday. On Saturday, manager Walt Weiss said Perez is likely going to be ready for the upcoming homestand beginning on Monday. If the Braves slot Perez into Wednesday's spot, that would give Chris Sale an extra day of rest. The veteran southpaw has been out since July 6 due to a left forearm contusion. So far this season, Perez owns a 3.54 ERA, 1.19 WHIP, and a 62/32 K/BB ratio across 18 games (14 starts) with the Braves. Perez lacks swing-and-miss stuff, but still offers low-end fantasy value. He's someone worth considering in deep leagues for fantasy managers seeking help in the pitching department.

Atlanta Braves starting pitcher AJ Smith-Shawver (elbow) took the mound for a rehab start with Triple-A Gwinnett on Saturday. It went well as Smith-Shawver tossed 4.1 scoreless innings, allowing four hits, while striking out five batters. He threw 72 pitches and touched nearly 100 mph on his fastball at one point. Smith-Shawver is currently working his way back from Tommy John surgery, which he underwent in June of last year. He's expected to make a couple more rehab outings before rejoining the Braves rotation. The 23-year-old could be an option for the Braves in early August. Smith-Shawver could be worth stashing for fantasy managers who are desperate for pitching help.