5 Key Braves Players Still Expected to Make 2026 Return

The Atlanta Braves are off to a hot start despite missing several key pieces, but reinforcements are on the way.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 3:56pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a Braves baseball game, with the players' forms broken down into abstract shapes and planes of navy blue, red, and gold.The Braves' depth and resilience are on full display as the team weathers injuries to key players and remains atop the NL East.Atlanta Today

The Atlanta Braves currently sit atop the National League East despite missing several key players due to injury. However, the team is expected to get a major boost in the coming months as five impact players, including catcher Sean Murphy, pitchers Spencer Strider and Hurston Waldrep, and infielders Ha-Seong Kim and Spencer Schwellenbach, are all nearing returns from their respective injuries.

Why it matters

The Braves' ability to maintain their position atop the division without their full complement of stars speaks to the team's depth and resilience. The impending returns of these five players could further strengthen the Braves and make them an even more formidable opponent in the National League.

The details

Sean Murphy, the veteran catcher, has already begun a rehab assignment and is expected to take over the starting role once healthy, allowing Drake Baldwin to move to designated hitter. Spencer Strider, the team's top pitching prospect, is also on a rehab assignment and is expected to take the final spot in the Braves' rotation. Infielder Ha-Seong Kim, who has been out with an injury, will likely return to a starting role, with Mauricio Dubon and Jorge Mateo shifting to other positions. Pitchers Hurston Waldrep and Spencer Schwellenbach are also expected back within the first two months of the season, further bolstering the Braves' starting rotation.

  • Murphy has already begun a rehab assignment.
  • Strider has also started a rehab assignment.
  • Kim, Waldrep, and Schwellenbach are expected to return within the first two months of the season.

The players

Sean Murphy

A veteran catcher who is expected to take over the starting role once healthy, allowing Drake Baldwin to move to designated hitter.

Spencer Strider

The Braves' top pitching prospect, who is on a rehab assignment and expected to take the final spot in the team's rotation.

Ha-Seong Kim

An infielder who has been out with an injury, but is expected to return to a starting role, with Mauricio Dubon and Jorge Mateo shifting to other positions.

Hurston Waldrep

A pitcher who is expected to return within the first two months of the season, further bolstering the Braves' starting rotation.

Spencer Schwellenbach

A pitcher who is also expected to return within the first two months of the season, adding depth to the Braves' pitching staff.

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What they’re saying

“Having Murphy back in the lineup is a clear help as it allows Drake Baldwin to move to DH and gives Atlanta hope of finding the 2023 version of the veteran backstop.”

— Walt Weiss, Braves Manager

“What version of Strider returns remains a debate and should have fans locked into the starter's return.”

— Walt Weiss, Braves Manager

What’s next

The Braves will continue to monitor the progress of these injured players and determine the best way to integrate them back into the lineup and rotation once they are ready to return.

The takeaway

The Braves' ability to maintain their position atop the NL East despite missing several key players speaks to the team's depth and resilience. The impending returns of these five impact players could make the Braves an even more formidable opponent in the National League.