The Atlanta Braves endured a difficult 2025 season. Expectations were high for the ball club heading into spring training, but the spring did not go according to plan. Not only did the Braves lose a number of key starting pitchers to injuries, but it was also revealed that Jurickson Profar would miss the season due to a PED suspension. Between the aforementioned injuries and suspension, it seemed as if the encouraging momentum was removed from the team. Yet, Atlanta is 5-2 to begin the new campaign.
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It is still extremely early in the new season. The Braves are certainly not guaranteed to make the playoffs. However, Atlanta's strong start should not be ignored.
Many teams in the same situation as the Braves may have stumbled to begin the new campaign. It's difficult to bounce back after spring training throws a curveball at your plans. Atlanta seems motivated right now, however. The team is finding ways to win and a number of players are stepping up.
Braves Silencing the Doubters to Begin New SeasonThe team's success has been led by ace Chris Sale. The 37-year-old has not displayed any signs of slowing down. He has pitched to a 0.75 ERA across his two starts so far in 2026.
Reynaldo Lopez and Bryce Elder are other starters who have performed well. With pitchers such as Spencer Strider and Spencer Schwellenbach out due to injuries, the performances of Lopez and Elder have been of the utmost importance behind Sale in the starting rotation.
Although Ronald Acuna Jr. is struggling, the offense is finding success. Reigning National League Rookie of the Year Drake Baldwin leads Atlanta with three home runs. Dominic Smith is hitting .375 with two home runs. Matt Olson and Mauricio Dubon have also swung their bats well.
Do the Braves still have question marks? Is there still an element of overall uncertainty? Yes, but this start was not expected. Atlanta is playing better than many imagined to begin 2026.
There is hope for this Braves team. The National League East will be competitive, and maintaining a rhythm throughout the season amid a plethora of injuries is often a challenging task. These first seven games have reminded us that the Braves will not give up despite the circumstances.
The Braves will look to keep things going on Friday night against the Arizona Diamondbacks. First pitch is scheduled for 9:45 PM EST.