ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) – The Atlanta Braves open their season Friday with a three-game series against the Kansas City Royals.
Both clubs are looking to return to the postseason after missing out last year; that push begins with star players setting the tone. Ronald Acuña Jr. will lead the way for Atlanta, while Maikel García looks to build momentum for Kansas City as each comes in riding recent success following the World Baseball Classic, where they each became champions with Team Venezuela.
Pitcher probables
Friday, 7:15 p.m. – LHP Chris Sale vs. LHP Cole Ragans
Saturday, 7:15 p.m. – RHP Reynaldo Lopez vs. RHP Michael Wacha
Sunday, 1:35 p.m. – RHP Grant Holmes vs. RHP Seth Lugo
Spencer Strider was scheduled to start Sunday’s game but was placed on the injured list earlier this week due to a strained oblique that will sideline him through mid-April at the earliest. Grant Holmes takes his spot Sunday, potentially leaving the team scrambling for a fifth starter for Tuesday’s game against the Athletics if things go south this weekend.
The team has right-hander Osvaldo Bido, whom they claimed off waivers from the New York Yankees on Tuesday, and left-hander Jose Suarez who could each eat up some innings for the club. Manager Walt Weiss told reporters Thursday left-hander Martin Perez, who isn’t currently on the 26-man roster, could be summoned from Triple-A to start for the club if need be.
Hitters to watch
Braves: Reigning Rookie of the Year Drake Baldwin will be in the designated hitter role Friday, while Jonah Heim will assume catching duties. The two will alternate roles, depending on if the opposing starter is a righty or lefty, until Sean Murphy returns from his hip injury.
All eyes are on how Baldwin does in his sophomore season. Baldwin, who turns 25 on Saturday, hit .274/.341/.469 with 19 home runs in 2025 and is projected to build on that production in Year 2.
Royals: It’s hard to think about the Royals without thinking of Bobby Witt Jr., who is coming off back-to-back seasons with top-five finishes in MVP voting. He anchors a lineup that also features slugger Vinnie Pasquantino, third baseman Maikel García and catcher Salvador Perez, each providing power and run production for the club.
How to watch Braves on Gray
The Braves and Gray Media announced two broadcast offerings so far, including Opening Day, to fans across Braves Country through Braves on Gray local television stations, reaching 26 markets throughout the Southeast.
For broadcast times, channel information and additional details, fans are encouraged to click here and check local Gray Media station listings in their markets.
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