Braves sequence preview: Let’s get it began
Last 12 months the Braves suffered their first dropping season since 2017, dropping 86 video games amid a myriad of accidents. New supervisor Walt Weiss is hoping for higher well being this 12 months, however the workforce is already lacking catcher Sean Murphy, infielder Ha-Seong Kim, and pitchers Spencer Strider, Spencer Schwellenbach, and Joe Jiménez to start the season. Still, PECOTA tasks them for 89 wins, they usually nonetheless function a workforce with some huge boppers and strong arms.
Kansas City Royals (0-0) vs. Atlanta Braves (0-0)
Royals*: 4.02 runs scored/sport (twenty sixth in MLB), 3.93 runs allowed/sport (4th)
Braves: 4.47 runs scored/sport (thirteenth), 4.53 runs allowed/sport (twentieth)
*-All numbers from 2025
The Braves offense was in the midst of the pack final 12 months in runs scored, though they fared higher within the second half of the season. Ronald Acuña Jr. and Austin Riley every missed vital time with damage final 12 months, however are able to offering All-Star numbers. Matt Olson was eleventh amongst National League hitters in fWAR, and tied for thirteenth within the league with 29 residence runs. Michael Harris II grew to become the twelfth participant in Braves historical past to place up a 20/20 season.
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The workforce added former Royals outfielder Mike Yastrzemski, who hit very effectively down the stretch in Kansas City final season. He must make up for the lack of Marcell Ozuna, who left for the Pirates, and Jurickson Profar, who will serve a year-long suspension for PEDs. Slick-fielding Mauricio Dubón takes over at shortstop, and the workforce stuffed out the roster with non-roster invitees Dominic Smith and Kyle Farmer.
*-All numbers from 2025
The Braves pitching workers has been hit onerous with accidents during the last 12 months, however 2024 Cy Young winner Chris Sale is wholesome sufficient to get the Opening Day begin. The 36-year-old has a 13-10 file towards the Royals in his profession with a 2.66 ERA in 189.2 innings.
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Reynaldo López missed most of final 12 months after a shoulder damage that required surgical procedure, and there may be concern he will not be proper after some low velocity numbers in spring coaching. He had a 1.99 ERA in his first 12 months with the Braves in 2024, incomes an All-Star nod.
Grant Holmes is recovering from {a partially} torn UCL and a flexor pressure that ended his season prematurely final season. He throws his slider 35 p.c of the time, and opponents hit simply .183 towards it final 12 months.
*-All numbers from 2025
Robert Suarez led the National League with 40 saves in San Diego final 12 months. He will arrange Braves nearer Raisel Iglesias this 12 months, giving them among the best 1-2 bullpen combos in baseball. The Braves bullpen had a 4.19 ERA final 12 months, however was terrible down the stretch as accidents piled up. This 12 months’s pen will get skinny shortly, with former Royals reliever Joel Payamps successful a spot, together with rookie Didier Fuentes.
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*-All numbers from 2025
This will likely be simply the sixth go to to Atlanta for the Royals, however they took two of three towards the Braves final 12 months in Kansas City. The Braves are a superb workforce, however accidents have uncovered them a bit. The Royals have an opportunity to get the season off to a superb begin if they will get the bats going early.
