Yes, a bunch of key names just hit the 15-day Injured List all at once, but no, this isn’t a fire. The Atlanta Braves announced a cluster of IL moves, retroactive to March 24, involving Ronald Acuña Jr., Spencer Strider, Sean Murphy, Nacho Alvarez, and Joe Jiménez.
While it looks dramatic on paper, this is more a case of strategic roster management than panic mode.
Ronald Acuña Jr: All Part of the Plan
Let’s start at the top. Ronald Acuña Jr. is still finishing up his recovery from that ACL tear suffered late last May. He didn’t make a single Grapefruit League appearance this spring — all of his work happened quietly on the back fields — but this was always the expectation.
The Braves have been laser-focused on not rushing him back. They’ve got long-term goals in mind here, not just Opening Day. Word is, he’s close. Acuña could be back within the season’s first few weeks.
Next Up Is Spencer Strider
The mustached flamethrower, Spencer Strider, made two brief starts this spring and looked nasty — 10 strikeouts in just four innings — but again, the Braves are playing the long game.
Rather than risk overextending him early, they’re giving him a little more time to ramp up. He should be back before the end of April. If he looks anything like he did in those spring starts, that wait will be well worth it.
Then There’s Sean Murphy
Murphy cracked a rib and was already expected to miss Opening Day. The timeline hasn’t changed. This is still looking like a short stay on the IL, with a potential return around the Braves’ first homestand.
Not having your No. 1 catcher right out of the gate isn’t ideal, but all signs point to this being a matter of days, not weeks.
Braves Alvarez Mystery Continues
Nacho Alvarez hasn’t played in a game since February 27, when he exited with left wrist discomfort. The word was “minor” at the time — that he’d be back within days. But those days turned into weeks. And now, he’s officially on the IL with lingering wrist inflammation.
This is the first real update since the end of February. While it’s not panic-worthy just yet, it’s definitely something to monitor. The Braves are being quiet about it. That can mean it’s not that serious, or they don’t want to say how serious it is.
Joe Jiménez: A Long Road Ahead
Joe Jiménez underwent offseason knee surgery and was never in the running for Opening Day. This IL move just makes it official. The unfortunate truth is we may not see Jiménez again until 2026.
That’s a massive loss for Atlanta’s late-inning bullpen mix, he was expected to be a setup staple. Without him, the Braves will need others to step up in the 7th and 8th innings — and fast. That spotlight might shine brighter on names like Dylan Lee, Pierce Johnson, or even a guy like Enyel De Los Santos.
Braves Bottom Line
Look — seeing this many names hit the IL at once is jarring. But this isn’t a midseason meltdown. Acuña and Murphy should be back soon, Strider’s on track, and most of this was planned.
The real questions lie with Alvarez’s wrist and the long-term bullpen impact of losing Jiménez. But make no mistake: the Braves have depth and built this roster with resilience in mind.
