Atlanta Braves News

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Ozzie Albies • 2B • Braves

Ozzie Albies Stays Hot With Two Home Runs Against Brewers

Atlanta Braves second baseman Ozzie Albies continued his resurgent 2026 season in Saturday's 4-3 win over the visiting Milwaukee Brewers at Truist Park, going 3-for-4 at the plate with two home runs, three RBI, and three runs scored as the cleanup hitter. It was Albies' first multi-homer game of the year and the 11th of his career, and his second homer of the day (a two-run shot) walked the Brewers off the field. The 29-year-old switch-hitter came into Saturday's game with a .294 average (15-for-51) with a homer, three doubles, eight RBI, nine runs scored, and a stolen base in 14 games in June, and he kept his hot streak going by clearing the fences twice in the team's one-run victory. Albies' two-homer game boosted his season average to .284, and he's added 12 home runs, 13 doubles, 40 RBI, and 50 runs scored in his 322 plate appearances. It looks like Albies is back to his All-Star form in 2026 after combining for 26 home runs in 2024 and 2025 after he had a career-high 33 long balls with Atlanta in 2023, his last All-Star campaign. Albies has been a must-start in all fantasy leagues in 2026.

22 hours ago

Michael Harris II • CF • Braves

Michael Harris II Returns to Braves Lineup on Saturday

Atlanta Braves outfielder Michael Harris II (back) is starting in center field and is batting fifth on Saturday against the visiting Milwaukee Brewers and left-hander Kyle Harrison, according to MLB.com. Harris will be back in the Braves' starting lineup for the first time since leaving Tuesday's contest early with tightness in his lower back. He missed two games. The 25-year-old former National League Rookie of the Year is having one of his best seasons as a pro in 2026, as he comes into Saturday's tilt with a .306/.340/.514 slash line with an .854 OPS, 14 home runs, 41 RBI, 35 runs scored, and three stolen bases in 68 games across his 259 plate appearances. Harris, a former third-rounder in 2019, is also hitting an even .300 (12-for-40) with a homer, three doubles, five RBI, and seven runs scored in 11 games in June. Although he's hit lefties and righties well this year, fantasy managers setting DFS lineups may want to avoid him on Saturday in his return against a tough lefty in Harrison, whom Harris has never faced in his career.

Yesterday

Michael Harris II • CF • Braves

Michael Harris II Remains Out With Back Injury on Friday

Atlanta Braves outfielder Michael Harris II (back) continues to sit for Friday's series opener at Truist Park against the visiting Milwaukee Brewers, per MLB.com. Mauricio Dubon will make another start in center field and will bat fifth against Brewers flamethrower Jacob Misiorowski. It will be the second straight missed game for Harris, who was pulled from Tuesday's game with tightness in his lower back. Harris remains day-to-day, but if he cannot return to the lineup this weekend against Milwaukee, the Braves might be forced to place him on the injured list. The 25-year-old former third-rounder in 2019 has been a must-start for fantasy managers in all formats in 2026 in his fifth year in the league, as he enters Friday's action with a .306/.340/.514 slash line, .854 OPS, 14 home runs, 41 RBI, 35 runs scored, and three stolen bases in 259 plate appearances and 68 games played. Fantasy managers setting DFS lineups will want to stay away from Dubon on Friday against one of the most dominant starting pitchers in the game.

2 days ago

Joey Bart • C • Braves

Braves Acquire Joey Bart From Pirates

The Atlanta Braves acquired catcher Joey Bart (foot) from the Pittsburgh Pirates on Thursday night in exchange for right-hander Hunter Stratton, according to the team. To make room on the 40-man roster, the Braves designated catcher Sandy Leon for assignment. Bart has been on the injured list for over a month with a foot infection, but he is currently on a minor-league rehab assignment and looks ready to make his debut with Atlanta sooner rather than later. Drake Baldwin is the unquestioned starter for the Braves behind the dish, but Bart figures to serve as the team's backup with Sean Murphy (finger) still recovering from a broken finger that is expected to keep him out into the second half of the 2026 season. The move doesn't really make the 29-year-old Bart anymore attractive in deeper fantasy baseball leagues. Bart hit a career-high 13 home runs and drove in 45 runs in 80 games in his first year with the Pirates in 2024 after being acquired from the San Francisco Giants, but he had just four homers and 30 RBI in 93 games last year. Before going on the IL with his foot injury this year, he was hitting .259/.290/.379 with two homers, six RBI, two walks, and 21 K's in 21 games played.

2 days ago

Martín Pérez • SP • Braves

Martin Perez Offers Matchup-Based Streaming Appeal on the Waiver Wire

Atlanta Braves left-hander Martin Perez has quietly been a key part of his team's success so far in 2026, recording a 5-3 record with a 2.90 ERA, 1.05 WHIP, and 51 strikeouts across 62 innings (14 games). The 35-year-old has been used as both a reliever and a starter this season, but now he's made five consecutive starts dating back to May 19 and looks to have established himself as a member of the Braves rotation. Perez's 20.8% strikeout rate in 2026 is the highest mark of his 15-year MLB career, so he does not offer much swing-and-miss upside for fantasy managers. Still, the veteran generates a ton of ground balls (46.7% ground ball rate) and limits home runs (0.87 HR/9). He also should have plenty of chances to pick up wins while pitching in Atlanta. Perez's numbers may regress a bit from where they currently sit, but he could still be a viable streaming option for fantasy managers in the right matchups.

3 days ago

Spencer Strider • SP • Braves

Braves Transfer Spencer Strider to 60-Day Injured List

The Atlanta Braves announced on Wednesday that they transferred right-hander Spencer Strider (elbow) to the 60-day injured list. Although Strider's MRI exam ruled out ligament damage in his right elbow, he was shut down for at least four weeks due to right-elbow inflammation. The move to put the 27-year-old on the 60-day IL will allow veteran right-hander Carlos Carrasco to rejoin the big-league roster. Strider had Tommy John surgery in college and an internal-brace procedure on his elbow in 2024, which limited him to just two starts. He got a late start to the 2026 campaign due to an oblique injury as well, which is why Strider has only made eight starts (39 innings) so far this year. He's gone 4-2 with a 5.31 ERA (5.35 FIP) and 1.36 WHIP with 46 strikeouts and 20 walks. The Braves are hoping that Strider will be able to help them in the second half, but he might not be ready to return until late August, leaving him little time to help fantasy managers the rest of the way. The Clemson alumni is rostered in 76% of Yahoo leagues, but that number will continue to drop through the summer months.

4 days ago

Michael Harris II • CF • Braves

Michael Harris II's Back Injury Keeps him Out on Wednesday

Atlanta Braves outfielder Michael Harris II (back) is out of the starting lineup for Wednesday's contest at Truist Park against the visiting San Francisco Giants, according to MLB.com. Mauricio Dubon will take over in center field on Wednesday and will bat leadoff for the Braves against Giants left-hander Carson Whisenhunt. Harris is being considered day-to-day after being pulled from Tuesday's contest with lower-back tightness. Fantasy managers will want to check back on Thursday to see if he's ready to return to the starting nine for Thursday's series finale against San Fran. The 25-year-old left-handed-hitting outfielder has been a must-start for fantasy managers this year, as he comes into Wednesday's tilt with a .303/.337/.512 with an .850 OPS, 14 home runs, 41 RBI, 34 runs scored, and three steals in his 244 at-bats in 2026. Harris has gone 11-for-39 (.282) with a homer, three doubles, five RBI, and six runs in 10 games in June. With Ronald Acuna Jr. (hamstring) potentially out through the All-Star break in mid-July, Atlanta can ill-afford to lose Harris for an extended stretch.

4 days ago

Ronald Acuña Jr. • RF • Braves

Ronald Acuna Jr. a "Long Way" From Returning From the Injured List

Atlanta Braves manager Walt Weiss said that outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. (hamstring) is a "long way" from returning from the 10-day injured list, according to Mark Bowman of MLB.com. Because Acuna's hamstring is in the same spot as his previous injury this year, the Braves will be more cautious than they were when Acuna missed almost three weeks with a previous hamstring strain. The 28-year-old former MVP and five-time All-Star landed on the IL for the second time this year last week with another left-hamstring strain, and he's looking at another couple weeks on the sidelines, at the very least. Fantasy managers shouldn't necessarily expect Acuna to be back before the All-Star break in the middle of July. So far, the talented Venezuelan outfielder has been a bust in 2026 in fantasy with a .251/.373/.421 slash line, .793 OPS, seven home runs, 22 RBI, 15 stolen bases, and 31 runs scored across 53 games played. However, despite his lengthy history of lower-body injuries, Acuna's five-category upside means he could still carry fantasy squads in the second half if he can stay out of the trainer's room.

4 days ago

Michael Harris II • CF • Braves

Michael Harris II Departs Early on Tuesday With Back Tightness

The Atlanta Braves announced that outfielder Michael Harris II (back) departed Tuesday's game against the San Francisco Giants early with lower-back tightness. Before leaving the game due to injury, Harris went 1-for-1 at the plate with a run scored. Mauricio Dubon shifted from left field to center field, and Eli White entered the ballgame in left field. It's unclear if Harris' back injury will cause him to miss additional time, but we should have a better idea of the severity of his back ailment later on Tuesday night or on Wednesday morning. If Harris is forced to the 10-day injured list, White would be in line for more playing time in Atlanta's outfield. The 25-year-old Harris is in the midst of a really strong season in 2026, as he came into Tuesday's game with a .303/.337/.512 slash line with an .850 OPS, 14 home runs, 41 RBI, 34 runs scored, and three stolen bases. Harris is currently rostered in all but 5% of Yahoo leagues, and he should remain rostered, even if his back injury leads to a lengthy absence.

5 days ago

Drake Baldwin • C • Braves

Drake Baldwin Reinstated From the Injured List on Monday

The Atlanta Braves announced on Monday that they have reinstated catcher Drake Baldwin (oblique) from the 10-day injured list and outrighted catcher Austin Wynns to Triple-A Gwinnett in a corresponding move. The Braves have a scheduled day off on Monday, so Baldwin will return for his first game in Tuesday's series opener against the visiting San Francisco Giants at Truist Park. The second-year backstop will be returning to Atlanta after missing a month with an oblique strain. The 25-year-old former third-round pick in the 2022 MLB draft out of Missouri State University has quickly become one of the best offensive-minded catchers in fantasy baseball after he was named the National League Rookie of the Year in 2025. Baldwin hit .274/.341/.469 with an .810 OPS, 19 homers, and 80 RBI in 124 games last year, and he'll return to a .303/.389/.543 slash line with 13 homers and 38 RBI in 48 games in his second season in the Show. Get ready to plug him back into all starting lineups in traditional fantasy leagues this week.

6 days ago

Spencer Strider • SP • Braves

Spencer Strider to be Shut Down From Throwing for Four Weeks

After his consultation with Dr. Keith Meister on Monday, Atlanta Braves right-hander Spencer Strider (elbow) will be shut down from throwing for four weeks and then undergo a follow-up MRI exam, the team announced. If his follow-up MRI is clear, Strider will begin a throwing progression. Strider was pulled from his most recent start on Friday against the division-rival New York Mets with inflammation in his right elbow, and he was placed on the 15-day injured list the following day. The Braves and fantasy managers were very concerned, considering the 27-year-old only made two starts in 2024 before needing an internal-brace procedure. Strider also previously has had Tommy John surgery, so any signs of elbow trouble for him are a major red flag. He isn't dealing with any ligament damage, so he'll try to build back up for a second-half return if his elbow heals well over the next month. In a best-case scenario, he could rejoin the Braves' starting rotation at some point in August. The former fourth-rounder in 2020 out of Clemson University has struggled to a 5.31 ERA, 1.36 WHIP, and 46:20 K:BB in 39 innings across eight starts in 2026, and he'll be a huge question mark if he can return in the second half.

6 days ago

JR Ritchie • SP • Braves

JR Ritchie a Waiver-Wire Target With Move to Rotation?

Atlanta Braves rookie right-hander JR Ritchie will make the start on Wednesday against the San Francisco Giants at Truist Park, according to Chad Bishop of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Ritchie, the team's No. 2 prospect per MLB Pipeline, allowed 15 runs (13 earned) on 21 hits (four homers) while walking 16 and striking out 21 in 25 2/3 innings over five starts earlier in the year for Atlanta before being sent to Triple-A Gwinnett. The 22-year-old former 35th overall pick in 2022 recently returned to the big-league roster in a relief role, and he pitched five scoreless innings of relief with two walks and a strikeout on June 12 against the division-rival New York Mets. Despite Ritchie's rough greeting in MLB as a starter earlier this year, he'll be worth considering for rotation depth in deeper leagues now that he's set to take the starting spot of injured right-hander Spencer Strider (elbow), at least in the short term. The 6-foot-2, 185-pounder is a ground-ball pitcher with a deep arsenal, but he can also generate plenty of swings and misses while attacking the strike zone. Right now, he's rostered in only 5% of Yahoo leagues.

6 days ago

Spencer Strider • SP • Braves

Spencer Strider's MRI Exam Rules Out Ligament Damage in his Elbow

Atlanta Braves right-hander Spencer Strider's (elbow) MRI exam did not show any ligament damage, just inflammation, according to Mark Bowman of MLB.com. It's excellent news for a pitcher who made only two starts in 2024 and eventually needed an internal-brace procedure on his right elbow. There aren't any current concerns that Strider will need another elbow surgery. The 27-year-old's visit on Monday with Dr. Keith Meister, who performed his surgery in 2024, was just to indicate what Strider's next steps will be. By Tuesday, Bowman says that we will have a better idea of when Strider could resume throwing. There was definitely some concern that Strider would need another season-ending elbow injury after his velocity plummeted and he was pulled from his start early on June 12 against the New York Mets. He is on the 15-day injured list and most likely won't rejoin Atlanta's starting rotation before the mid-July All-Star break, but he will return this season. Fantasy managers need to hang onto the former fourth-rounder in 2020 out of Clemson University. Strider has gone 4-2 this year with an elevated 5.31 ERA (5.36 FIP) and 1.36 WHIP, but his 27.9% strikeout rate gives hope for fantasy managers.

6 days ago

Didier Fuentes • RP • Braves

Didier Fuentes Worth Adding Ahead of Potential Role Increase?

Atlanta Braves right-hander Didier Fuentes has been pitching well out of the bullpen for the Braves of late. In May, he posted a 1.32 ERA over 12 games (13 2/3 innings), and so far in June, over five games (5 1/3 innings), he has a 0.00 ERA and six strikeouts. He has not allowed a run since his outing in Cincinnati on May 31, and before that, it was May 6 against the Mariners. He is primarily being used as the seventh-inning guy behind closer Raisel Iglesias and setup man Robert Suarez. Because of that, although Fuentes was able to convert on a recent save on June 7, there are no signs that Iglesias or Suarez are in jeopardy of losing their job, as they've both been spectacular on the season, meaning Fuentes is going to remain in a position where his only value is leagues that reward holds (SVH). For leagues that do not, he is not worth rostering; however, for leagues that do, you could make a case for Fuentes, as he has been extremely sharp out of the bullpen, and his ratios have been phenomenal.

6 days ago

Spencer Strider • SP • Braves

Braves Place Spencer Strider on Injured List With Elbow Inflammation

The Atlanta Braves announced on Saturday that they placed right-hander Spencer Strider (elbow) on the 15-day injured list with right-elbow inflammation and recalled right-hander Anthony Molina from the minors in a corresponding move. Strider was pulled from his outing on Friday against the division-rival New York Mets after his velocity took a dip. The Braves initially called it arm soreness. The Braves and fantasy managers have to be a bit worried after the 27-year-old only made two starts in 2024 before needing an internal-brace surgery on his right elbow. In his eight starts in 2026, Strider has gone 4-2 with a 5.31 ERA (5.37 FIP) and 1.36 WHIP with 46 strikeouts and 20 walks in 39 innings pitched. At the very least, Strider will miss a couple turns through the rotation, but this could end up being a much lengthier absence, depending on the results of his testing. If Strider has a serious injury, the Braves could turn to young right-hander Hurston Waldrep.

Jun 13

Spencer Strider • SP • Braves

Spencer Strider Leaves Early on Friday With Arm Soreness

The Atlanta Braves announced that right-hander Spencer Strider (arm) left his start early on Friday against the division-rival New York Mets with a trainer due to right-arm soreness. Strider allowed seven earned runs on six hits (three home runs) while walking one and striking out three in just three innings for his second loss of the season in the 7-5 defeat at the hands of the Mets at Citi Field. The 27-year-old's velocity was down, leading to the Braves' training staff coming out to check on Strider before he was pulled from the game. The severity of his injury is unclear right now, but we should have more information on Strider on Saturday morning, so fantasy managers will want to check back them to see if this is something that could land him on the 15-day injured list. Keep in mind that Strider had an internal-brace procedure that limited him to two starts in 2024. He came into Friday's contest with a 4-1 record and 4.00 ERA, but his ugly outing against New York pushed his season ERA up to 5.31. If Strider's latest arm injury is serious, youngster Hurston Waldrep could be next in line to join Atlanta's starting rotation.

Jun 12

Hurston Waldrep • SP • Braves

Hurston Waldrep Activated and Optioned to Triple-A

The Atlanta Braves announced on Friday that they reinstated right-hander Hurston Waldrep (elbow) from the 60-day injured list and optioned him to Triple-A Gwinnett. Waldrep isn't ready to rejoin the major-league roster after rehabbing from elbow surgery in the offseason. The 24-year-old former first-rounder in 2023 out of the University of Florida allowed four runs in 3 2/3 innings in his third minor-league rehab start with Double-A Columbus. Waldrep should be an option for the Braves' starting rotation sooner rather than later in 2026 after 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 pitched across 10 appearances (nine starts) last year before being shut down with his elbow injury. Fantasy managers in deeper leagues should be considering whether to stash Waldrep right now as a potential difference-maker in the second half of the season. Right now, he's rostered in only 5% of Yahoo leagues.

Jun 12

Drake Baldwin • C • Braves

Drake Baldwin Set to Begin Rehab Assignment on Saturday

Atlanta Braves catcher Drake Baldwin (oblique) is set to begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Gwinnett on Saturday. Baldwin has been on the 10-day injured list with an oblique strain since May 19, but he appears to be on the doorstep of a return to the big leagues. The 25-year-old got off to an excellent start to the 2026 season before the injury, hitting .303/.389/.543 with 13 home runs, 38 RBI, 39 runs scored, and one stolen base across 216 plate appearances. Baldwin's underlying metrics support his emergence, as he logged elite barrel (18.6%) and hard-hit (53.8%) rates. Atlanta also showed a willingness to use Baldwin as its designated hitter on days when he needed a break from being behind the plate, which keeps his bat in the lineup every day and allows him to maximize plate appearances for fantasy managers. Upon his return, Baldwin profiles as a must-start fantasy catcher across all league formats.

Jun 12

Martín Pérez • SP • Braves

Martin Perez a Worthy Deep-League Option

Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Martin Perez was supposed to take the mound against the Chicago White Sox on Thursday. That game was postponed due to weather. Instead, Perez is expected to take the mound for the series opener against the New York Mets on Friday. The veteran southpaw is an intriguing streaming option given his recent success. Over the last three starts, Perez owns a 3.45 ERA, 1.21 WHIP, with nine strikeouts over 15.2 innings of work. He also has strong career numbers against the Mets, with a 3.09 ERA across 43.2 innings against the Mets in his career. The lack of strikeouts will likely keep his overall ceiling lower, but Perez remains a fairly trustworthy option at the moment.

Jun 11

Ronald Acuña Jr. • RF • Braves

Ronald Acuna Jr. Dealing With Grade 1 Hamstring Strain

Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. (hamstring), who was placed on the 10-day injured list on Wednesday, has been diagnosed with a Grade 1 left-hamstring strain, manager Walt Weiss told Jesus Cano of The Athletic. Acuna is on the IL for the second time this year with the same injury, but the Braves don't believe that it is as bad as Acuna's strain in May, which kept him out for just over two weeks. All in all, it's good news for the 28-year-old former MVP. Barring a setback as he rehabs, Acuna could be back with the Braves before the All-Star break in mid-July. In the meantime, Mauricio Dubon and Eli White could share playing time in right field in Atlanta, with Dubon being the more attractive deep-league waiver-wire pickup. Acuna, a five-time All-Star and three-time Silver Slugger winner, should be stashed in all leagues, even though he's performing under his career levels so far in 2026 with a .251/.373/.421 slash line, seven homers, 22 RBI, 15 steals, and 31 runs scored in 195 at-bats.

Jun 10

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