Despite all their injuries, the Atlanta Braves have proven to be a competitive team out of the gate. The Braves flipped the script through the first seven games this season (5-2) versus struggling (2-5) to begin last season.

The Braves’ pitching staff has allowed only 14 runs in 63 innings and has the second-best staff in MLB (2.00 ERA).

Braves Pitching Off to Hot Start Despite Injuries

Even with losses like right-handers Spencer Strider (oblique), Hurston Waldrep (elbow), and Spencer Schwellenbach (elbow), the starting staff ranks as the best in Major League Baseball (2.39). Left-hander and ace of the staff, Chris Sale (0.75 ERA), and right-hander Reynaldo Lopez (1.64) have been dominant in their first two starts.

The Braves will send right-hander Grant Holmes to the mound for Game 2 on Friday against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Holmes struggled in his first start against the Kansas City Royals, allowing three earned runs, a home run, and walking two in five innings.

The Braves need Holmes to have a bounce-back start to give them four strong starters in their rotation. Right-hander Bryce Elder has done well in his one start, striking out five over six innings of work.

Braves Offense Has Been No Slouch

The Braves’ offense has also been on fire to start the season. Led by the reigning National Rookie of the Year, catcher Drake Baldwin, the Braves are third in team batting average (.281). National League East opponents, the Miami Marlins (.290), and the Washington Nationals (.281) rank higher.

The Braves also lead in home runs (10), are second in RBI (41), and are fifth in walks (30). Baldwin has three of the Braves’ 10 home runs, eight of their 41 RBI, and four of their 30 walks, with right fielder Ronald Acuña Jr. leading the team (six walks).

Utility man Mauricio Dubón, who has proven to be an average hitter at the plate, has gotten off to a scorching hot start. In six games, Dubón is hitting .429 with a 1.097 OPS with a home run and six RBI.

Dubón was acquired from the Houston Astros in the offseason for infielder Nick Allen. Dubón has filled in at shortstop while shortstop Ha-Seong Kim (shoulder) slowly works his way back from injury. 

First baseman Matt Olson has also been hot to open the season. According to USA Today columnist Bob Nightengale, Olson has the second-longest consecutive games streak (789) since 2000.

Matt Olson, who’s playing in his 789th consecutive game, the second-longest streak in baseball since 2000, hits his first HR of the season for Atlanta

— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) April 3, 2026

The three-time All-Star went 3-for-5 with two doubles, a home run, and three RBI in the Braves’ 17-2 win over the Diamondbacks on Thursday. Overall, the former Silver Slugger (2023) is batting .321 with a .938 OPS and a National League-leading four doubles.

The Braves could be a formidable opponent in the National League if this success continues. 

 

Main Photo Credit: Jordan Godfree-Imagn Images