RADIO
Braves Not Expecting Too Much From Spencer Schwellenbach
Atlanta Braves general manager Alex Anthopoulos said that right-hander Spencer Schwellenbach (elbow) might return next year, but he cannot be counted on to be a regular starting-rotation member over a 162-game schedule, according to MLB.com's Mark Bowman. The same can be said for right-hander Spencer Strider (elbow). Schwellenbach was not able to pitch for the Braves at all in 2026 because of two surgeries on his right elbow -- the first to remove bone spurs in February, before he had another surgery in August to fix a fracture in the same arm. The 26-year-old former second-rounder from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln had a promising first two years in the majors in 2024 and 2025, combining to go 15-11 with a 3.23 ERA (3.27 FIP) and 1.01 WHIP with 235 strikeouts and only 41 walks in 234 1/3 innings over 38 starts for Atlanta. While he might not be ready for Opening Day in 2027, and he could have his workload managed all year, he definitely will be the more intriguing fantasy stash over Strider.
Source: MLB.com - Mark Bowman
Source: MLB.com - Mark Bowman
Spencer Strider Won't Be Counted On for Many Innings in 2027
Atlanta Braves general manager Alex Anthopoulos said that right-hander Spencer Strider (elbow) might return next year, but he cannot be counted on to be a regular member of the starting rotation for the entire 162-game schedule, according to Mark Bowman of MLB.com. In turn, fantasy managers should not really be seeking out Strider for their rosters because of his recent injury history. It has been all downhill for Strider after he won 20 games and struck out a league-high 281 batters in 32 starts in 2023 as a first-time All-Star. The 27-year-old former fourth-rounder in 2020 from Clemson made only two starts in 2024 before undergoing Tommy John surgery. He went 7-14 last year with a 4.45 ERA, 1.39 WHIP, and 131:51 K:BB in 23 starts, and then he was only able to make eight starts while posting an ERA over 5.00 in 39 innings for the Braves this year. He battled elbow and oblique injuries in 2026 and did not return after going on the injured list in mid-June. Since having TJ surgery, Strider's velocity has taken a big hit, wiping out his high-end swing-and-miss stuff pre-injury.
Source: MLB.com - Mark Bowman
Source: MLB.com - Mark Bowman
Tyler Mahle Hoping to Return to Braves in Free Agency
Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Tyler Mahle said, "It'd be crazy not to want to play here," when asked about a potential return to Atlanta during the upcoming offseason, per Jesus Cano of The Athletic. The 32-year-old is set to hit free agency this winter. Mahle began the 2026 season with the San Francisco Giants and struggled, recording a 3-9 record with a 4.38 ERA and 1.39 WHIP across 94 2/3 innings (18 starts). However, the veteran right-hander completely turned his season around after a midseason trade to Atlanta, logging a 1.99 ERA and 0.96 WHIP with 48 strikeouts across 54 1/3 innings (nine starts). Mahle pitched well in his two postseason starts for the Braves as well, allowing just two hits and two earned runs across 13 1/3 innings. Given his strong close to the season, Mahle may be able to secure a multi-year deal in free agency.
Source: The Athletic - Jesus Cano
Source: The Athletic - Jesus Cano
Tyler Mahle Past his Abdominal Issue, Ready for Game 4
Atlanta Braves right-hander Tyler Mahle (abdomen), who is lined up to start Game 4 of the National League Division Series in Atlanta against the Los Angeles Dodgers, called his abdominal pull before his Wild-Card start against the division-rival Philadelphia Phillies a non-issue, according to Grant McAuley of 929 The Game. Mahle has not felt it since, and it did not bother him in the start against the Phillies or during his bullpen session since. The 32-year-old veteran felt something in his abdomen before his start against the Phillies on Sept. 30, when he allowed just one earned run on six hits while walking one and striking out six in a no-decision in seven innings of work. It clearly did not affect Mahle much in that start, so it should not be much of an issue against the Dodgers on Wednesday at Truist Park. Mahle went 7-10 in 2026 with a 3.99 ERA, 1.23 WHIP, and 137 strikeouts in 149 innings across 27 regular-season starts with Atlanta and the San Francisco Giants. His lone start against the Dodgers came on April 22, when he was still with San Francisco, and he tossed seven shutout innings in a win while walking two and striking out five in the Bay Area.
Source: 929 The Game - Grant McAuley
Source: 929 The Game - Grant McAuley
Chris Sale Shuts the Door in Bullpen Appearance on Thursday
Atlanta Braves left-hander Chris Sale put the finishing touches on his team's Wild Card Series win over the Philadelphia Phillies on Thursday, coming out of the bullpen to get the final four outs in his team's 6-2 victory. With just one day of rest after starting Game 1 on Tuesday, Sale worked a scoreless 1 1/3 innings while allowing one hit and recording three strikeouts. The 37-year-old has some experience coming out of the bullpen, as he worked exclusively as a reliever in the 2010 and 2011 seasons while pitching for the Chicago White Sox. Sale will obviously shift back to the starting rotation for Atlanta's National League Division Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers, although it's not yet clear whether this appearance will impact his availability. If Sale operates on regular rest from his start on Tuesday, he would likely be in line to start Game 2 of the NLDS on Sunday.
Source: ESPN.com
Source: ESPN.com
Tyler Mahle Pitching Through Abdominal Issue
Atlanta Braves manager Walt Weiss said that starting pitcher Tyler Mahle (abdominal) felt an abdominal pull while warming up for his start against the Philadelphia Phillies in Game 2 of the National League Wild Card Series, per Grant McAuley of 92.9 The Game. McAuley also reports that Mahle downplayed the issue, saying he "didn't feel it affected him whatsoever" and that it "wouldn't stop him from pitching today or in the future." Mahle pitched well against Philadelphia on Wednesday, allowing one earned run and recording six strikeouts across seven innings of work. Still, it's worth noting that the veteran right-hander could be operating at less than 100% if Atlanta advances to the National League Division Series and beyond. Mahle emerged as the Braves' number two starter behind ace Chris Sale down the stretch of the regular season, recording a 1.99 ERA across nine starts after Atlanta acquired him from the San Francisco Giants at the trade deadline.
Source: 92.9 The Game - Grant McAuley
Source: 92.9 The Game - Grant McAuley
Chris Sale Strikes Out Nine in 2026 Postseason Debut
Atlanta Braves left-hander Chris Sale put together his usual strong performance in his team's 5-3 win over the Philadelphia Phillies, allowing four hits, a walk, and three earned runs while striking out nine across 6 1/3 innings of work. Sale exited the game in the seventh inning, having only surrendered one run, but Braves right-hander Didier Fuentes allowed both inherited runners to score and briefly put Sale on the hook for the loss. Sale was one of the best pitchers in baseball in 2026, recording a 14-9 record with a 2.16 ERA, 0.98 WHIP, and 200 strikeouts across 162 2/3 innings (27 starts). The 37-year-old's average fastball velocity of 96.2 miles per hour was the best of his career, and he posted an elite 26.1% strikeout rate. Atlanta's rotation depth behind Sale is questionable, so the veteran lefty will likely need to continue his dominance into the postseason for the Braves to make a deep playoff run.
Source: ESPN.com
Source: ESPN.com
Martin Perez Placed on 10-Day Injured List with Lower-Back Inflammation
Atlanta Braves left-hander Martin Perez (back) has been placed on the 10-day injured list with lower back inflammation, per Jesus Cano of The Athletic. While Perez could technically return in the middle of the National League Division Series, Braves manager Walt Weiss has already said that the veteran left-hander will likely not be available unless the team makes it to the National League Championship Series. Perez had a surprisingly excellent season for Atlanta in 2026, recording a 9-9 record with a 3.04 ERA, 1.27 WHIP, and 102 strikeouts across 142 innings (30 games). The 35-year-old's 17.1% strikeout rate limits his fantasy value, but he's been a quality innings eater who likely would have played a role in the Braves' playoff rotation. Without Perez, Braves right-handers Tyler Mahle, Grant Holmes, and JR Ritchie profile as the team's top arms behind ace Chris Sale.
Source: The Athletic - Jesus Cano
Source: The Athletic - Jesus Cano
Robert Suarez Expected to Return This Week
Atlanta Braves general manager Alex Anthopoulos said during a radio appearance on 680 The Fan that right-hander Robert Suarez (elbow) is "highly likely" to be activated from the 60-day injured list on either Wednesday or Thursday. Suarez has been sidelined since mid-June by inflammation in his right elbow, but it appears he will be back in the Atlanta bullpen for the team's postseason push. Across 32 innings (31 games) before suffering the injury, Suarez recorded a 0.56 ERA, 0.84 WHIP, 26 strikeouts, and four saves. While the 35-year-old's strikeout rate dropped to 21.5%, he allowed just one home run (0.28 HR/9). Upon his return, Suarez should be a key part of the bridge to Braves closer Raisel Iglesias.
Source: 680 The Fan
Source: 680 The Fan
Chris Sale Being Pushed Back, Will Not Start This Weekend
Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Chris Sale's next scheduled start is being pushed back, per Jesus Cano of The Athletic. Cano reports that the veteran left-hander is "not dealing with anything" and that there is "no need to panic." Still, it appears that Sale's next scheduled start will now be next Wednesday against the Cincinnati Reds instead of this upcoming weekend against the Houston Astros. Sale has been one of the best pitchers in baseball in 2026, recording a 14-9 record with a 2.18 ERA, 0.99 WHIP, and 190 strikeouts across 157 innings (26 starts). He was effective in his most recent outing on September 11, allowing three earned runs while recording six strikeouts across seven innings pitched against the Philadelphia Phillies. Still, with the Braves locked into a playoff berth, it looks like the team is prioritizing having Sale as fresh as possible in October.
Source: The Athletic - Jesus Cano
Source: The Athletic - Jesus Cano
Chris Sale Continues to be a Fantasy Ace
Despite being 37 years old, Atlanta Braves left-hander Chris Sale has been one of the best pitchers in the National League in 2026 in his 16th season in the league. The former Cy Young winner and 10-time All-Star has managed to stay healthy this season and has been excellent for the Braves and fantasy managers alike, going 14-9 with a 2.10 ERA (2.26 FIP) and 1.01 WHIP with 184 strikeouts and only 29 walks in 150 innings pitched across his 25 starts. Sale picked up his eighth straight quality start his last time out on Sept. 4 against the division-rival Philadelphia Phillies, picking up a win while allowing two earned runs with one walk and seven strikeouts in six innings of work. He has at least six strikeouts in each of his last eight quality starts, and his 18 quality starts this year rank fifth in the National League. Sale also ranks second in the NL in ERA, third in wins and WHIP, and fourth in strikeouts. Sale has a tough matchup his next time out against the first-place Tampa Bay Rays, but the veteran hurler is a must-start in all fantasy leagues, especially in the fantasy playoffs.
Source: Baseball Reference
Source: Baseball Reference
Bryce Elder Set to Miss 3-4 Weeks After Having Knee Scope
Atlanta Braves manager Walt Weiss said that right-hander Bryce Elder (knee) underwent knee surgery on Tuesday and will miss three to four weeks as a result of the procedure, per Mark Bowman of MLB.com. While Elder has a chance to return to the postseason, his regular season is likely over. Across 149 innings (26 starts) before the injury, Elder recorded an 8-8 record with a 4.11 ERA, 1.27 WHIP, and 121 strikeouts. The 27-year-old's fantasy upside is limited by his subpar 19.1% strikeout rate. However, Elder proved himself to be a capable starting pitcher streamer at different points in 2026, especially while pitching in front of the potent Braves lineup. With Elder sidelined, Braves right-hander AJ Smith-Shawver's place in the team's rotation is likely safe down the stretch of the season.
Source: MLB.com - Mark Bowman
Source: MLB.com - Mark Bowman
Reynaldo Lopez to Return to the Rotation on Wednesday
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Chad Bishop reports that Atlanta Braves right-hander Reynaldo Lopez (knee) will come off the 15-day injured list to start Wednesday's game against the Tampa Bay Rays. It will be Lopez's first start with Atlanta since July 27. He was placed on the IL on Aug. 2 with inflammation in his left knee. The veteran hurler looked good in his final minor-league rehab start with Triple-A Gwinnett last Thursday, throwing 93 pitches in five shutout innings while striking out six for the Stripers. With Lopez returning, it will push the struggling Bryce Elder to a relief role while he battles knee issues of his own. Lopez, a 32-year-old Dominican hurler, will be returning to a 4-3 record this year with a 3.64 ERA (4.32 FIP) and 1.34 WHIP with 66 strikeouts and 29 walks in 71 2/3 innings pitched across 24 outings (11 starts). He threw 5 2/3 shutout frames for a no-decision in his final start on July 26 against the Baltimore Orioles before landing on the IL, but he surrendered a combined nine earned runs in 9 1/3 innings in his previous two starts before that against the St. Louis Cardinals and San Diego Padres.
Source: The Atlanta Journal-Constitution - Chad Bishop
Source: The Atlanta Journal-Constitution - Chad Bishop
Reynaldo Lopez to Return to the Rotation Next Week
Atlanta Braves right-hander Reynaldo Lopez (knee) will be activated from the 15-day injured list to rejoin the team's starting rotation at some point next week, according to Jesus Cano of The Athletic. Lopez's first start back off the IL could line up to come next Wednesday against the first-place Tampa Bay Rays, which would not be ideal for fantasy streaming purposes. The 32-year-old veteran has been sidelined with inflammation in his left knee since the end of July, but he is ready to rejoin the big-league roster after throwing 93 pitches in five scoreless innings for Triple-A Gwinnett in a minor-league rehab start on Thursday. The Dominican hurler will be making just his 12th start this year for the Braves next week and will be returning to a 4-3 record, 3.64 ERA (4.32 FIP), and 1.34 WHIP with 66 strikeouts and 29 walks in 71 2/3 innings over his 24 appearances. Since rejoining Atlanta's rotation on June 26, Lopez posted a 3.86 ERA (3.88 FIP) with 28 hits allowed (four homers), eight walks, and 27 strikeouts in 28 innings across six starts. Lopez will be a matchup-based streamer to close things out in 2026 if he stays in the Braves' rotation through the end of September.
Source: The Athletic - Jesus Cano
Source: The Athletic - Jesus Cano
Tyler Mahle a Waiver-Wire Priority After Strong Start With Atlanta
Right-hander Tyler Mahle went 3-9 with a 5.13 ERA (4.37 FIP) and 1.39 WHIP with 89 strikeouts and 37 walks in 94 2/3 innings and 18 starts to begin the 2026 season with the San Francisco Giants before the Atlanta Braves acquired him in a trade at midseason. Since the move to the first-place Braves, the 31-year-old veteran has looked like a different pitcher, going 2-1 with a 1.48 ERA (2.87 FIP) and 0.96 WHIP with 32 strikeouts and only five walks in 30 1/3 frames over five starts. Mahle has not allowed more than two earned runs in any of his five starts so far for Atlanta, and he gave up only one earned run with no walks and a season-high nine strikeouts in 6 2/3 innings in his last outing on Sunday, Aug. 30, against the Colorado Rockies. He will have a pretty big test his next time out this weekend against the division-rival Philadelphia Phillies. In two starts already this year against the Phils, Mahle allowed five earned runs on nine hits while walking seven and striking out nine in 10 2/3 innings. Mahle will be a riskier fantasy streamer in that matchup, but regardless, he deserves more waiver-wire attention down the stretch. Mahle is currently rostered in just over half of Yahoo leagues.
Source: Baseball Reference
Source: Baseball Reference
