The Atlanta Braves are holding their breath for a potential midweek boost as superstar outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. eyes a return from the injured list. After being sidelined with a left hamstring strain earlier this week, Acuña was spotted testing his leg with agility drills ahead of Friday night's game—a promising sign for a team that's no stranger to injury woes.
According to MLB.com's Mark Bowman, Acuña is eligible for activation as early as Wednesday, and the early returns suggest that timeline is realistic. If he can step back into the lineup by then, it would be a massive lift for a Braves squad looking to maintain their grip on the National League standings. The energy around the clubhouse is palpable, as Acuña's dynamic presence is exactly what Atlanta needs to keep the momentum rolling.
Speaking of momentum, Chris Sale delivered a vintage performance on Friday night, even if the scoreboard didn't reflect it. The left-hander was absolutely filthy, racking up strikeouts and keeping the Los Angeles Dodgers off balance for much of the night. Unfortunately, Atlanta's bats couldn't muster enough support, falling 3-1 in a tightly contested battle. Still, Sale's outing is a reminder of why the Braves invested in him—when he's on, he's one of the most dominant arms in the game.
Looking ahead, the Braves are also keeping an eye on the future. In MLB Pipeline's first mock draft for 2026, Atlanta is projected to select a shortstop out of UCLA, signaling a continued focus on building from within. Meanwhile, minor league prospect Dixon Williams is making noise, crushing another home run for the Rome Emperors on Thursday. And in a move that adds depth to the pitching staff, veteran Carlos Carrasco has reportedly rejoined the organization on a minor league deal.
Around the league, the Dodgers placed right-hander Tyler Glasnow on the 15-day injured list with lower back spasms, a setback that could impact their rotation. The Kansas City Royals also lost a key arm, placing left-hander Cole Ragans on the IL with a left elbow impingement. For Braves fans, these injuries serve as a reminder that health is a precious commodity in baseball.
On the analytics front, general manager Alex Anthopoulos joined Buster Olney to discuss Atlanta's collaborative approach to data, highlighting how the team blends traditional scouting with modern metrics. It's a philosophy that's kept the Braves competitive year after year.
As for this weekend's series, the Dodgers are reinstating Blake Snell from the injured list to start Saturday's game against Atlanta. It's a tough matchup, but if Acuña's recovery stays on track and Sale continues to deal, the Braves have every reason to believe they can come out on top.