The Atlanta Braves continue to navigate a challenging early season injury landscape, but manager Walt Weiss offered a mix of encouraging updates and sobering timelines for five key players ahead of tonight's matchup against the Chicago Cubs. Here’s the latest from the clubhouse.
First, the headliner: Ronald Acuña Jr. The dynamic outfielder is making progress with his injured hamstring, but fans will have to wait a bit longer for his return. Weiss confirmed that Acuña will not be activated during the current homestand, which wraps up this weekend against the Boston Red Sox. While the team remains optimistic, patience is the watchword for one of baseball's most electrifying talents.
On the pitching front, Spencer Schwellenbach received a promising update. After recent positive evaluations, doctors are expected to clear him to begin throwing soon. However, there’s still no firm timeline for his return to game action. Meanwhile, Hurston Waldrep has taken a step forward by starting bullpen sessions at the Braves’ Florida complex. The next milestone—a rehab assignment—has yet to be scheduled.
In the outfield, Eli White is on the mend after landing on the 7-day concussion IL following a collision with the wall in Los Angeles. Weiss indicated that White should be activated as soon as he’s medically cleared, offering a relatively quick boost to the depth chart.
The most concerning update involves reliever Joe Jiménez, who hasn’t pitched in the majors since 2024 due to persistent knee issues. He underwent yet another knee surgery within the last month. While the team is encouraged by the initial results, there’s no timeline for when he might resume throwing. With Jiménez in the final year of his contract, this is a tough break for both player and club.
Yesterday, the Braves also announced that catcher Sean Murphy will miss approximately two months with a broken finger, adding to the team’s early-season injury woes.
But here’s the silver lining: despite this wave of injuries, the Braves currently boast the best record in baseball. This time last year, Atlanta was fighting to climb back to .500 amid similar setbacks. Now, they’re proving that depth and resilience can carry a team through the storm. For Braves fans, that’s the kind of momentum worth wearing on your sleeve.