Braves-Athletics preview: Atlanta’s rotation a key question entering series vs. A’s

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) – The Atlanta Braves are already off to a stronger start than they were at this point last season.

Coming off a 76-86 campaign, the Braves opened the 2026 season with a series win over the Kansas City Royals, highlighted by a thrilling Saturday victory when Dominic Smith hit a walk-off grand slam to complete a comeback.

Dominic Smith crushes walk-off grand slam to put Braves past Royals

The team is now three games into a 13-game stretch to start the season and will continue Monday when the Braves host the Athletics at Truist Park for a three-game series.

The Athletics, who were swept by Toronto in their season opener, are searching for their first win. Meanwhile, the Braves, now in the Walt Weiss era, hope to build on their hot hitting despite lingering questions about their pitching staff.

Pitching probables

Monday, 7:15 p.m. – RHP Bryce Elder vs. LHP Jacob Lopez

Tuesday, 7:15 p.m. – TBD vs. RHP Aaron Civale

Wednesday, 12:15 p.m. – LHP Chris Sale vs. RHP Luis Severino

Bryce Elder is set to make his first start of the season Monday against the Athletics after a mixed spring, posting a 4.73 ERA over 13.1 innings, including one outing where he allowed five runs in 3.1 innings.

With injuries to Spencer Schwellenbach, Spencer Strider and Hurston Waldrep, Atlanta’s pitching staff is thin beyond Chris Sale, Reynaldo López, Grant Holmes and Elder. As of Sunday, the Braves have not announced a starter for Tuesday’s matchup against Athletics right-hander Aaron Civale.

Hitters to watch

Braves: Ozzie Albies and Michael Harris II have started the season strong after struggling early in 2025, each going 4-for-11 with a home run on opening day. Austin Riley also has four hits to start the season. While it’s only three games, all three appear to have put last year’s struggles behind them.

Athletics: Shea Langeliers has opened the 2026 season with a bang, crushing three home runs in the team’s first two games. In fact, he’s the only player on the A’s roster with more than two hits through the team’s first three games. Another guy to watch is left-handed slugger Nick Kurtz, despite his early season struggles. The 23-year-old hit 36 home runs in 117 games last season en route to the American League Rookie of the Year award.

Injury report

Braves:

• RHP Daysbel Hernández (shoulder)
• RHP Joe Jimenez (knee)
• SS Ha-Seong Kim (finger)
• C Sean Murphy (hip)
• RHP Spencer Schwellenbach (elbow)
• RHP Spencer Strider (oblique)
• RHP AJ Smith-Shawver (elbow)
• RHP Hurston Waldrep (elbow)
• LHP Joey Wentz (knee)
• LHP Danny Young (elbow)

Athletics:

How to watch Braves on Gray

The Braves and Gray Media will simulcast 25 games for free, over-the-air to fans across Braves Country through Braves on Gray local television stations, reaching 26 markets throughout the Southeast.

For broadcast times, channel information and additional details, fans are encouraged to click here and check local Gray Media station listings in their markets.

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