Braves Postpone Game, Reset Roster Ahead of Key Series vs. Phillies

ATLANTA – The Atlanta Braves received a break on April 6 as Sunday’s game against the Miami Marlins was postponed, allowing the team to reset ahead of a crucial series against the Philadelphia Phillies. Currently struggling with a 1-8 start, the Braves will have extra time to prepare for their upcoming matchups.

With this postponement, Grant Holmes will now pitch against the Phillies’ Taijuan Walker in the second game of the series. Chris Sale will start the opener against Zack Wheeler, while Braves’ standout Spencer Schwellenbach, who has a .068 opponent batting average, will face NL strikeout leader Jesús Luzardo in the finale.

“Any opportunity to regroup is welcomed, given our current struggles,” said Braves manager Brian Snitker. “Having an extra day can help us reset and get some key players back in the lineup.”

Braves have activated Sean Murphy from the injured list, while catcher Drake Baldwin remains with the major league roster after making a strong impact early this season. Chadwick Tromp was designated for assignment to make room for Murphy.

Despite their rocky start, the Braves are optimistic about their lineup returning to full strength. Right fielder Ronald Acuña Jr. and starting pitcher Spencer Strider are both expected to rejoin the team soon.

The Braves are currently six games behind the NL East-leading Phillies, a notable gap so early in the season. Historically, the Braves have struggled to recover from such deficits, last falling six games back around this point in 2017.

Sunday’s postponement has been rescheduled for August 9 as part of a split doubleheader, resulting in five games between the Braves and Marlins over four days.

Strider is expected to return after one more rehab start, where he recently pitched 5 1/3 hitless innings. The team has been cautious with Strider’s recovery process to avoid setbacks, particularly after losing Reynaldo López to a shoulder issue.

“Strider has tremendous potential against the Phillies. However, we are committed to a disciplined recovery to ensure he is fully ready,” Snitker added.

As for Acuña, he may return in early to mid-May, pending a follow-up exam in Los Angeles. Dr. Neal ElAttrache, who performed Acuña’s ACL surgery, will confirm the next steps for his recovery.

Catcher Drake Baldwin has shown sparks of promise this season, despite limited statistics so far. He continues to develop by practicing alongside veteran players and contributing to the team’s dynamic.

“Being around Sean Murphy and our veteran hitters is invaluable for my development,” Baldwin stated, reflecting on his experiences since joining the Braves.

The Braves aim to stabilize their roster and turnaround their poor start in the coming week but recognize the challenges ahead. With games against the Phillies looming, the team is focused on revitalizing their season.