By MIKE ROBERTS
The Atlanta Braves went into the All-Star break on a bit of a lull, losing two of three to the St. Louis Cardinals. In their final three series before the break, Atlanta split four games with the Mets, took two of three from the Pittsburgh Pirates, then traveled to St. Louis. At 55-40, the Braves still lead the National League East, holding a two-game advantage over the second-place Philadelphia Phillies. The Braves have work to do to catch either the Brewers (59-37) or the Dodgers (61-36) and avoid the wild card round of the playoffs.
Here’s a look ahead to the remaining part of the season.
Health Update
The Braves are currently decimated by injuries. Key players like Ronald Acuña, Jr. (.251 AVG, .793 OPS., 7 HR, 22 RBI, 15 SB), starting pitcher Spencer Strider (4-2, 5.31 ERA, 1.36 WHIP), and relief pitcher Robert Suarez (4-0, 0.56 ERA, 0.84 WHIP) are currently on the injured list.
Acuña, who has been sidelined since straining his left hamstring on June 9, has already begun a minor league rehab assignment with the Florida Complex League Braves and should return to Atlanta soon. The former NL MVP is still one of the league’s most dangerous hitters, and the Braves can’t wait to get him back in the lineup.
It’s unclear when Strider (right elbow inflammation) will return to the mound and it’s possible that he doesn’t pitch again until next season. Meanwhile, Suarez, who has been out since the end of June with forearm inflammation, is expected to return in a few weeks.
Atlanta recently placed outfielder Mike Yastrzemski (.230 AVG, .686 OPS, 6 HR, 28 RBI, 1 SB) on the 10-day injured list with left elbow inflammation. That’s unfortunate, as he was playing well for the team recently, recording a hit in each of his last five games. He came through big-time in the 10-5 victory over Pittsburgh on July 9, swatting a game-sealing grand slam during the ninth inning. With Acuña working his way back and Yastrzemski on the shelf, the Braves’ outfield depth will be tested heading into the second half of the season.
If the Braves can somehow shake off the injury bug, the sky is the limit as they look to contend for a World Series title.
Pitching
Atlanta has one of baseball’s best starting pitchers in Chris Sale ( 9-6, 2.20 ERA, 1.11 WHIP). The 37-year-old is enjoying another great season, as he was named an All-Star this year for the 10th time in his career. However, he’s currently the team’s only playoff-caliber starting pitcher. That means the Braves could likely land another starter like the New York Mets’ Freddy Peralta or the Kansas City Royals’ Michael Wacha at the upcoming August 3 trade deadline.
Also at the deadline, the Braves could add bullpen depth to help out 2026 All-Star closer Raisel Iglesias (0-2, 2.23 ERA, 1.08 WHIP). Relief pitcher Dylan Dodd (2-0, 2.39 ERA, 0.84 WHIP) has played really well for the Braves recently. The Illinois native picked up his first two wins of the season last Wednesday and Thursday against the Pirates.
Hitters
A healthy Acuña tops the list of hitting threats, along with 2026 All-Stars Matt Olson (.267 AVG, .873 OPS, 25 HR, 58 RBI, 2 SB), Ozzie Albies (.267 AVG, .758 OPS, 14 HR, 51 RBI, 1 SB), and Drake Baldwin (.254 AVG, .782 OPS, 15 HR, 46 RBI).
Olson recently broke Dale Murphy’s record (740) for the most consecutive games played in Braves history. The first baseman has played in every game since the Braves traded for him before the 2022 campaign. The last time he missed a game was in May 2021 (eye contusion) when he played with the Oakland Athletics. Olson is serving as the Braves’ top power hitter this year, as he’s ranked seventh in the league in home runs.
And don’t forget about Michael Harris II (.296 AVG, .817 OPS, 16 HR, 53 RBI, 6 SB), who might be the most popular baseball player in England after fans of that nation went to some games at Truist Park earlier during this World Cup. “Money Mike” has clearly been one of the team’s best players this season, but he barely missed out on the first Midsummer Classic of his career.
The Braves could trade for a solid hitter like the San Francisco Giants’ Heliot Ramos. Adding a new guy to Atlanta’s lineup, and the team will have a great shot at having an excellent second half of the season.
Looking Ahead
The Braves come out of the All-Star break to play a three-game home series against the Texas Rangers, beginning Friday. Here’s a look at the upcoming schedule, including TV information and probable pitchers:
Friday, 7/17: 7:15 PM, BravesVision/MLB. TV, TBD (TEX) vs. TBD (ATL)
Saturday, 7/18: 4:10 PM, BravesVision/MLB.TV, TBD (TEX) vs. TBD (ATL)
Sunday, 7/19: 1:35 PM, BravesVision/MLB.TV TBD (TEX) vs. TBD (ATL)