Baldwin's Breakout Highlights Braves' Strong Start

Rookie catcher's power surge and Acuña's DH debut key to Atlanta's 6-4 opening stretch

Apr. 6, 2026 at 1:26pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Despite a 6-5 extra-inning loss to the Diamondbacks on Sunday, the Atlanta Braves have gotten off to a 6-4 start in their first 10 games of the 2026 season. Rookie catcher Drake Baldwin has been a standout, hitting four home runs to tie for the NL lead, while Ronald Acuña Jr. had a bounce-back game as the designated hitter. The Braves' starting pitching has also been a strength, leading the National League with a 2.26 ERA through the first two weeks.

Why it matters

The Braves are looking to build on their 2025 playoff appearance and make a deeper run this season. Baldwin's emergence as an offensive force at catcher, combined with Acuña's potential return to form, could be key to the team's success. The strong starting pitching has also helped the Braves weather early-season injuries and a grueling 13-game opening stretch.

The details

In Sunday's loss, Baldwin homered in the first inning and delivered a game-tying single in the ninth, finishing with four RBIs. Acuña, who served as the DH for the first time this season, responded with a multi-hit game after struggling at the plate. Third baseman Austin Riley, who has gotten off to a slow start, was given the day off before pinch-hitting late in the game.

  • The Braves have played 10 games so far this season, going 6-4.
  • Sunday's loss to the Diamondbacks was the second straight defeat for Atlanta.

The players

Drake Baldwin

The 2025 National League Rookie of the Year, Baldwin has been a standout at the plate for the Braves to start the season, hitting four home runs to tie for the NL lead.

Ronald Acuña Jr.

The 2023 NL MVP served as the Braves' designated hitter for the first time this season, responding with a multi-hit game after struggling at the plate in the early going.

Austin Riley

The Braves' third baseman was given the day off on Sunday after getting off to a slow start, going 0-for-2 as a pinch hitter.

Martín Pérez

The Braves' fifth starter allowed four earned runs over five innings on Sunday, but has been a key contributor to the team's strong starting pitching so far this season.

Brian Snitker

The Braves' manager has navigated the team through a challenging 13-game opening stretch, with the starting rotation leading the way.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“He's just really difficult to pitch to because it's line to line and it's barrels and it's coming off the bat hot. He's just a really good hitter.”

— Brian Snitker, Braves Manager

“It feels like we could have done even better with just a couple hits here and there. We have won six of 10 or whatever. We've got to keep the momentum going. We could have easily won eight out of 10.”

— Drake Baldwin, Braves Catcher

What’s next

The Braves will play just three more games before completing the challenge of playing 13 straight days to open the season. Their ability to maintain their strong start could set the tone for the rest of the year.

The takeaway

The Braves' hot start has been fueled by the emergence of rookie catcher Drake Baldwin as a power threat, the potential return to form of star outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr., and the consistency of the team's starting rotation. If they can keep this momentum going, the Braves could be primed for another deep playoff run.