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Atlanta Braves

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Sean Murphy Sean Murphy Expecting rebound in 2025 Wed, Feb 19, 2025, 11:12 AM Murphy believes the oblique injury he suffered Opening Day last season prevented him from ever getting comfortable with his swing, Mark Bowman of MLB.com reports. "It was a combination of a bunch of things," Murphy said this week. "Missing that much time at the beginning, that's not how I wanted to begin the season. I'm not sure my swing ever felt correct coming off the oblique, not that I was in any pain or hurt. Some things just fell off, and I never caught up and found a way to adjust." Analysis: The 30-year-old backstop roared out to an .843 OPS with 21 homers and 68 RBI -- all career highs -- over 108 games in his first season for Atlanta in 2023, but Murphy's production cratered in 2024 through 72 contests after he returned from the oblique strain. The team seems confident that the poor performance was an aberration, however, as Travis d'Arnaud was allowed to leave in free agency, leaving only Chadwick Tromp, Curt Casali and prospect Drake Baldwin competing for the backup job in camp. Murphy still has four more seasons left on the six-year, $73 million contract he signed in 2022, with Atlanta holding a $15 million club option for 2029, so he will be given every chance to regain his previous offensive form.
Chris Sale Chris Sale Will kick off spring schedule Wed, Feb 19, 2025, 10:57 AM Sale will get the start Saturday for Atlanta's Grapefruit League opener against the Twins, David O'Brien of The Athletic reports. Analysis: The reigning NL Cy Young Award winner is almost certain to get the Opening Day start as well, but Atlanta has yet to make that official. Sale's 29 starts and 177.2 innings in 2024 represent his biggest workload since 2017, and the 35-year-old southpaw believes he'll be able to stay mostly healthy again this season. "I kind of found a routine that really worked well for me last year, and when I needed to adjust, I could," Sale said this week. "So again, I'm basically just trying to replicate what last offseason looked like, and then kind of do the same thing through spring training and hopefully it translates to the season." Manager Brian Snitker indicated that Sale's routine would once again include an extra day or two of rest between his starts, as Sale rarely worked on only four days' rest in 2024.
Hurston Waldrep Hurston Waldrep Reintroducing curve to arsenal Wed, Feb 19, 2025, 10:42 AM Waldrep is working on his curveball this spring after previously shelving the pitch, Justin Toscano of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports. Analysis: Atlanta wanted the right-hander to refine his slider after selecting him in the first round in 2023, as it would make a better complement to his plus-plus splitter. Now that he's comfortable with the slider, however, he can turn his attention back to the curve. "So, the focus, when we got rid of it, was to work on the slider -- to work on making the slider kind of the forefront of the arsenal and let it make the splitter better, really," Waldrep said Tuesday. "So, adding the curveball back just kind of gives me a little better tool to lefties. It fits my fastball really well out of my arm slot, and it just kind of made sense to bring it back." The 22-year-old also took time this winter to study how pitchers like Gerrit Cole, Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander incorporated their curveballs into their pitch mix. Waldrep is likely to begin the season back at Triple-A Gwinnett, and while adding another reliable pitch can only help, control and command remain the biggest obstacles between him and a regular spot in the Atlanta rotation.
Michael Harris II Michael Harris II Healthy, confident heading into '25 Mon, Feb 17, 2025, 8:36 AM Harris said Sunday that he feels healthy heading into spring training after a productive offseason, Mark Bowman of MLB.com reports. "I feel like I prepared perfectly this offseason," Harris said. "Now, I just have to do whatever I can to make sure I stay healthy." Analysis: When asked by Bowman about whether a 30-steal, 30-homer season would be attainable in 2025, Harris wouldn't go as far to make any predictions about his statistical production, but the 23-year-old possesses the skill set to achieve the feat if his health cooperates. Harris has been slowed a bit by injuries in both of the past two seasons, with a lower back strain forcing a stint on the injured list in 2023 and a left hamstring strain sending him to the 60-day IL last summer. Over a 162-game pace in 2024, Harris produced 24 home runs and 14 steals, but his passivity on the basepaths in August and September may have been in part due to him avoiding a potential aggravation of the hamstring injury. With a clean bill of health entering the spring, Harris could be poised to increase his involvement as a base stealer in 2025 and make a serious challenge for a 30-30 campaign, and at the very least, his first 20-20 season. He finished one home run shy of the benchmark in 2022 and two home runs shy in 2023.
Buck Farmer Buck Farmer Invited to camp with Atlanta Sun, Feb 16, 2025, 5:09 PM Farmer has joined Atlanta's spring training camp as a non-roster invitee, Justin Toscano of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports. Analysis: Farmer appeared in 61 games, including one start, with the Reds in 2024, posting a 3.04 ERA and 1.20 WHIP with 70 strikeouts over 71.0 innings. He'll now get a chance to prove himself with Atlanta ahead of the 2025 season.
Spencer Strider Spencer Strider Could see Grapefruit League action Sat, Feb 15, 2025, 9:59 AM Strider (elbow) could see action in at least one spring training game, Justin Toscano of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports. Analysis: The right-hander is recovering from an internal brace procedure performed on his elbow last April, and after he threw another bullpen session Friday, general manager Alex Anthopoulos seemed optimistic that Strider could make his regular-season debut a little earlier than anticipated. "He's throwing bullpens, he looks good. Live [batting practice] will definitely happen in spring training, assuming no setbacks or things like that," Anthopoulos said Friday. The GM indicated that while Atlanta has an internal timeline for Strider, he wouldn't make it public just yet other than to say the 26-year-old ace would begin the campaign on the IL. "We have a calendar for him, but I think if we start saying, 'Hey, on this date he's doing this' and for whatever reason we decide to move it back a day or two, then it's a story and it's viewed as a setback or [that] we weren't forthcoming," Anthopoulos said. "So, what I can tell you is he will not be on the Opening Day roster, that has been decided."
Grant Holmes Grant Holmes Viewed as likely No. 5 starter Sat, Feb 15, 2025, 9:51 AM Holmes is seen as the early favorite to retain a spot in the rotation once Spencer Strider (elbow) is healthy, Justin Toscano of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports. Analysis: Holmes and Ian Anderson are both out of minor-league options and are expected to round out the Opening Day rotation behind Chris Sale, Reynaldo Lopez and Spencer Schwellenbach, but one of the duo will get bumped once Strider is cleared to make his return from an internal brace procedure on his elbow performed last April. General manager Alex Anthopoulos views Holmes as ahead of Anderson in that battle. "Look, I mention him -- because of the way he pitched last year for us and so on, he'd be the front-runner for that spot," Anthopoulos said Friday. "We think Grant's got significant upside. He's got a plus curveball, plus slider, throws strikes." On the other hand, Anthopoulos also suggested Holmes could move to the bullpen at some point, and Holmes has a lot more experience in that role -- 65 of his 68 appearances at Triple-A Gwinnett over the last two seasons have come in relief, while Anderson has been exclusively a starter throughout his career.
Eli White Eli White Receiving infield reps Fri, Feb 14, 2025, 9:42 AM White will spend most of spring training working as an infielder in an attempt to win a roster spot as a super-utility player, Justin Toscano of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports. Analysis: The 30-year-old is out of minor-league options, and adding some positional versatility should help his bid for a roster spot with Atlanta in need of a utility infielder. White has four appearances at second base as a big leaguer but has otherwise exclusively played the outfield, though he did see infield action earlier in his baseball career.
Ronald Acuna Jr. Ronald Acuna Jr. Could steal fewer bases Fri, Feb 14, 2025, 8:35 AM Acuna (knee) said Friday that he's planning to "take it easy" on the basepaths as he returns from left ACL surgery, David O'Brien of The Athletic reports. Analysis: Acuna estimated that he's running at "90 to 95 percent" and said his surgically repaired left knee feels much more stable than his right knee did following a prior ACL surgery. However, it sounds as though he does not intend to be as aggressive on the bases as he was before this most recent operation. While it's an understandable stance to take as Acuna tries to stay healthy, it does put a damper on his stolen base outlook for fantasy purposes. Acuna will not play in Grapefruit League games and is expected to miss roughly the first month of the season, although there's been no concrete timeline provided by Atlanta.
Jake Marisnick Jake Marisnick Lands in Atlanta as NRI Thu, Feb 13, 2025, 12:00 PM Atlanta signed Marisnick to a minor-league contract Thursday that includes an invitation to big-league spring training, Justin Toscano of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports. Analysis: Marisnick spent the 2024 campaign at Triple-A Salt Lake in the Angels organization, posting a .921 OPS with 12 homers in 59 games. The veteran outfielder remains a capable defender and has hit lefties well at times in his career, so it's possible he could push Bryan De La Cruz to be part of an early-season platoon with Jarred Kelenic in right field until Ronald Acuna (knee) is available.
Austin Riley Austin Riley Healthy to start spring training Wed, Feb 12, 2025, 10:40 AM Riley (hand) took live batting practice at spring training Wednesday, Grant McAuley of 92.9 The Game Atlanta reports. Analysis: Riley appears to be operating under no restrictions to begin the spring after he finished the 2024 season on the injured list while recovering from the fractured right hand he suffered Aug. 18. With no reports indicating that he needed surgery to address the hand injury, Riley should have a good chance at re-emerging as the 30-plus-home-run hitter that he was in three straight seasons from 2021 through 2023 before he was limited to 19 long balls over 110 games in 2024.
Dylan Covey Dylan Covey Joins Atlanta on MiLB deal Tue, Feb 11, 2025, 2:55 PM Covey signed a minor-league contract with Atlanta on Tuesday that includes an invite to major-league spring training, Justin Toscano of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports. Analysis: Covey recently elected free agency after being designated for assignment by the Mets and will now join a division rival. Covey spent most of last season rehabbing from a shoulder injury and last pitched in the majors in 2023, when he had a 3.77 ERA and 1.51 WHIP in 29 regular-season appearances between the Phillies and Dodgers.
Jake Diekman Jake Diekman Inks deal with Atlanta Tue, Feb 11, 2025, 2:51 PM Diekman signed a minor-league contract with Atlanta on Tuesday that includes an invite to big-league spring training, Justin Toscano of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports. Analysis: The veteran left-hander had a 5.63 ERA, 1.47 WHIP and 40:24 K:BB over 43 regular-season appearances with the Mets last season before being released. Diekman posted a 3.67 ERA across the previous three seasons and could earn a spot in Atlanta's bullpen with a strong showing in spring training.
Bryan De La Cruz Bryan De La Cruz Sets for short-side platoon role Tue, Feb 11, 2025, 11:09 AM De La Cruz is expected to platoon in right field with Jarred Kelenic until Ronald Acuna (knee) is cleared to return to the lineup, Mark Bowman of MLB.com reports. Analysis: As the right-handed hitter of the duo, De La Cruz would be on the short side of that platoon, although manager Brian Snitker could also choose to ride the hot hand. De La Cruz slashed .285/.309/.425 in 188 regular-season plate appearances against left-handed pitching in 2024, albeit with a 25.0 percent strikeout rate against a meager 3.2 percent walk rate, so he would appear to have a reasonable chance of thriving in that role over the first month or so of the season until Acuna is back in action.
Jurickson Profar Jurickson Profar Candidate to hit leadoff Tue, Feb 11, 2025, 11:01 AM Profar could hit leadoff for Atlanta until Ronald Acuna (knee) is fully healthy, David O'Brien of The Athletic reports. Analysis: Michael Harris might also see action at the top of the lineup, but Profar appears to be the team's best leadoff option while Acuna completes his recovery from ACL surgery. In 83 regular-season plate appearances at leadoff for the Padres last season, Profar delivered an eye-popping .451 OBP, helping to fuel his career-high .380 season-long mark in that category. The 31-year-old also scored a career-high 94 runs in 2024, and he could challenge triple digits if he sees significant time hitting ahead of the likes of Austin Riley, Matt Olson and Marcell Ozuna this season.
Ronald Acuna Jr. Ronald Acuna Jr. Won't be rushed back Tue, Feb 11, 2025, 10:55 AM Acuna (knee) will be brought along cautiously by Atlanta in order to try and avoid the struggles he experienced in 2022, after his first ACL surgery, David O'Brien of The Athletic reports. Analysis: The star outfielder underwent surgery to repair his right ACL in July 2021 and was back in the lineup by April 28 the following season, but Acuna dealt with lingering soreness that year and wound up finishing 2022 with a disappointing .266/.351/.413 slash line over 119 regular-season games. This time around, Acuna is recovering from surgery on his left knee performed in June 2024, and while the extra month-plus of rehab will help, Atlanta still figures to be very careful with his return timeline. It wouldn't be a surprise if the 27-year-old didn't make his 2025 debut until early May.
Spencer Strider Spencer Strider Late-April return possible Mon, Feb 10, 2025, 12:52 PM Strider (elbow) could make at least one Grapefruit League appearance this spring and be ready for his season debut by late April, Mark Bowman of MLB.com reports. Analysis: Recovering from last April's internal brace procedure on his right elbow, Strider will begin the season on the 15-day injured list. However, he has been throwing bullpen sessions and might be ready to rejoin Atlanta's rotation around a month into the season. Any timetable for the righty is approximate for now, but more clarity should be available as spring training rolls along.
AJ Smith-Shawver AJ Smith-Shawver In mix for starts Fri, Feb 7, 2025, 10:46 AM Smith-Shawver will get a chance in training camp to win a rotation spot, and figures to get opportunities early in the season even if he begins the year back at Triple-A Gwinnett, David O'Brien of The Athletic reports. Analysis: With Spencer Strider (elbow) set to begin the season on the IL, Grant Holmes and Ian Anderson are penciled into the final two spots in the rotation headed into the spring. Smith-Shawver will get a look too however, and the 22-year-old right-hander has by far the best raw stuff of that trio if he can learn to harness it more consistently. He made only one regular-season appearance for Atlanta in 2024, tossing 4.1 scoreless innings against the Cubs on May 23 with a 4:2 K:BB, but he strained his oblique during that start, missed six weeks and was never able to regain his form afterward. While his 4.86 ERA in 87 innings at Gwinnett last year wasn't very impressive, it came with a 104:40 K:BB. If Smith-Shawver puts together an impressive camp, he could force his way into the back of Atlanta's Opening Day rotation.
Chadwick Tromp Chadwick Tromp Favorite for backup job Thu, Feb 6, 2025, 9:35 AM Tromp is the leading candidate to back up Sean Murphy behind the plate for Atlanta to begin the season, David O'Brien of The Athletic reports. Analysis: The 29-year-old has never gotten more than 64 big-league plate appearances in a season and has just a .232/.237/.397 slash line for his career, but Atlanta is comfortable with his defense and game-calling. Tromp's main competition for a spot on the Opening Day roster will likely come from top prospect Drake Baldwin, although veteran backstops Curt Casali and Sandy Leon will also be in camp for Atlanta.
Daysbel Hernandez Daysbel Hernandez Might have key setup role Thu, Feb 6, 2025, 9:23 AM Hernandez could take over the high-leverage role left open by the absence of Joe Jimenez (knee) in the Atlanta bullpen, David O'Brien of The Athletic reports. Analysis: Hernandez posted a 2.50 ERA and dazzling 26:10 K:BB over 18 innings in the majors last season, collecting three wins and a hold in 16 appearances. Jimenez, who recorded a career-high 27 holds in 2024 while serving as one of the top set-up men for closer Raisel Iglesias, is expected to miss most or all of the season while recovering from October knee surgery. Pierce Johnson will handle some of those late-inning assignments, but Hernandez could be an under-the-radar holds source in 2025.