As the Atlanta Braves open their series against the Milwaukee Brewers, manager Brian Snitker delivered a sweeping set of injury updates that touch just about every part of the roster — from the ace of the rotation to the face of the franchise.
Chris Sale: Braves Cy Young-Caliber Arm Nears Return
The headline is that Chris Sale is moving one step closer to a return.
The All-Star lefty, who hasn’t pitched since June 18 after fracturing ribs on a diving play while one strike away from a complete game shutout, is progressing well. He threw a bullpen session Monday, and the next checkpoint will be a live batting practice session.
Snitker didn’t give a date for that or confirm whether a rehab assignment would be necessary. Sale is eligible to return from the 60-day IL on August 19. If his dominance before the injury — a 1.23 ERA over his last 10 starts — is any indication, his return could be a game-changer for Atlanta.
Ronald Acuña Jr. Still Day-to-Day
Ronald Acuña Jr. is doing batting practice, but remains day-to-day with right Achilles tendon inflammation. The reigning NL MVP has tried to push through lingering pain, especially given his long road back from a second ACL tear, but the team is taking no chances.
He hit the IL on July 30 and has been electric in limited action — batting .306 with a 1.006 OPS, 14 HR, and 16 RBIs in just 55 games.
Snitker offered no return timeline, emphasizing Acuña will not play until he’s pain-free.
Grant Holmes: Shuts It Down, Avoids Surgery
Grant Holmes, one of the Braves’ most consistent starters in 2025, is done for the season after opting not to undergo surgery on his inflamed right elbow. He’ll rehab the injury instead, after consulting with medical staff.
Holmes posted a 3.99 ERA in 21 starts, often pitching deep into games. He even recorded the first double-digit strikeout games of his career this season.
Other Notables:
- Spencer Schwellenbach still isn’t throwing after the elbow fracture. He remains on the 60-day IL and is eligible to return later in August. A September return is possible if his rehab stays on track.
- Reynaldo López, sidelined since his season debut on March 28, has begun playing catch, but a return timeline remains uncertain.
- Austin Riley, who re-aggravated an abdominal injury, was placed on the 10-day IL Monday. No update was provided beyond that, though Snitker didn’t sound optimistic.
Rotation Depth Getting Tested
With Sale still out, Holmes done for the year, and Schwellenbach’s status uncertain, the Braves are again scrambling for arms. It is a recurring theme in a season plagued by injuries and setbacks.
Snitker is hoping a healthy Sale and a potential Acuña return can fuel a strong push down the stretch, but for now, the Braves are surviving one day — and one rehab update — at a time.
