The Atlanta Braves are gearing up for the upcoming season, but they face challenges with their starting rotation. Despite pitchers and catchers reporting for spring training soon, the team has struggled to recover from injuries that plagued them last season.
Manager Brian Snitker had to juggle 19 different starters last year due to injuries. This season, new manager Walt Weiss is hoping for a miracle to bring the Braves back to their winning ways, especially after experiencing a wave of injuries that began last spring.
From 2019 to 2025, the Braves enjoyed seven successful seasons, including six division titles and a World Series win. Now, they need to rebuild and stay healthy to reclaim their spot as top contenders.
Starting Pitchers to Watch
As the Braves gather in North Port, Florida, their projected starting lineup includes former Cy Young winner Chris Sale, strikeout leader Spencer Strider, and promising rookie Spencer Schwellenbach. Veteran Reynaldo Lopez, along with Grant Holmes and Hurston Waldrep, will compete for the last two spots in the rotation. However, their health is uncertain due to previous injuries.
For instance, Lopez missed much of last season after shoulder surgery, while Holmes is working to recover from a UCL injury. The team is also dealing with AJ Smith-Sharver, who is likely out for the 2026 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery.
Focus on Chris Sale
At 37, Sale remains the ace of the staff. Two years ago, he led the National League in wins, strikeouts, and ERA. After breaking ribs last year, he aims to return to form, especially with free agency on the horizon.
Strider, a potential heir apparent to Sale, is looking to bounce back after struggling last season with a 7-14 record. New pitching coach Jeremy Hefner believes Strider may benefit from adjusting his arm angle during delivery.
Team Changes and Strategy
The Braves focused on strengthening their defense this offseason while their rivals splurged on high-profile hitters. They added shortstop Ha-seong Kim and outfielder Mike Yastrzemski, along with bolstering their bullpen by re-signing closer Raisel Iglesias and acquiring Robert Suarez.
Last season, the Braves finished at 76-86, trailing the division-leading Phillies by 20 games. With their injured pitchers returning, they have a shot at closing that gap. Their last pennant win was in 2021, which also marked their second World Series title since moving to Atlanta in 1966.
Injury Stats and Prospects
Recent statistics indicate that teams frequently suffer injuries during the long MLB season. A study by the Baseball Injury Database noted that over 40% of players experience injuries at some point, emphasizing the need for teams to develop strong depth in their rosters.
As the Braves set their sights on a brighter season, they will rely heavily on the health and performance of their key pitchers. The desire to reclaim a top position in the National League East is strong, and whether they can achieve this will largely depend on their recovery and adaptability in the face of adversity.
For more on player health and injury management, check out the MLB Injury Report.
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Chris Sale,Spencer Strider,Atlanta Braves,Walt Weiss,Alex Anthopoulos,National League East,Matt Olson,Austin Riley,Spencer Schwellenbach,Cy Young Award
