ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) – The Atlanta Braves open a three-game series against the Houston Astros on Friday, with their first losing season since 2017 hanging in the balance.
The Braves sit at 65-81, well out of the NL East race and more than 10 games back from the wild card chase. The only way the team can avoid a losing season is if they win out and finish at .500. But for Houston, the Astros sit 79-68 and are clinging to the AL West lead by just 0.5 games. These last few weeks are very important to the Astros and their playoff chances.
Braves-Astros probable pitchers
Friday, 7:15 p.m. – RHP Hurston Waldrep (4-0, 1.33 ERA) vs. TBD
Saturday, 7:15 p.m. – RHP Bryce Elder (7-9, 5.35 ERA) vs. RHP Hunter Brown (11-7, 2.27 ERA)
Sunday, 1:35 p.m. – LHP Joey Wentz (5-6, 5.31 ERA) vs. LHP Framber Valdez (12-9, 3.42 ERA)
Hurston Waldrep, a revelation for the Braves, takes the mound on Friday for the 14th regular season game broadcast by Gray Media in 2025.
He’s essentially penciled his name alongside Chris Sale, Spencer Schwellenbach and Spencer Strider in the team’s 2026 rotation thanks to his performance across six starts this season. Waldrep has a 1.33 ERA across six starts in 2025 (40.2 innings), which is certainly eye-opening considering his forgettable 2024 stint, when he allowed 13 runs across seven innings of work.
Bryce Elder and Joey Wentz will take the mound for Atlanta for the final two games of the series.
Hitters to watch
Braves: Drake Baldwin’s breakout season behind the plate has cast doubt on Sean Murphy’s future as the Braves’ starting catcher. The 24-year-old Rookie of the Year frontrunner is slashing .270/.340/.438 with 15 home runs and 64 RBIs. With Murphy out for the season with a hip injury, Baldwin will finish the season as the team’s primary backstop. Right-hander Cade Horton of the Chicago Cubs is Baldwin’s main competition for the award.
Astros: Yordan Alvarez hasn’t played much this season after getting placed on the injured list early on in May and returning on Aug. 26. But since his return, the three-time All-Star is slashing .449/.533/.694 in 49 plate appearances, providing Houston with a much-needed boost as the postseason nears.
How to watch Braves on Gray
Gray Media will simulcast tonight’s Braves game throughout the Southeast.
Fans can watch the Braves on Gray simulcast by tuning into Atlanta News First over the air on channel 46 or on YouTube TV, Dish Network, DirecTV, Xfinity and Spectrum.
If you are in another market outside of Atlanta, you can find your channel at BravesOnGray.com.