The Atlanta Braves have finally reached the final two months of the season. Unfortunately, they won't be playing for a shot at the playoffs thanks to horrible underperformance from the offense and a lot of untimely injuries to the entire starting rotation. The most recent injuries being Grant Holmes and Austin Riley.
It's been one of the most miserable seasons for Braves fans, but we've gotten some news on the status of multiple injured players. A few of them will make watching games a tad more bearable. The best fans can hope for is the team finishing strong. Let's take a look at the plethora of updates provided before Monday night's game.
Chris Sale is making progress
It's been a little over a month since Sale injured his ribs diving for a ball against the Mets. It started a series of unfortunate events for the Braves, unfortunately. However, he has started to work his way back, throwing a bullpen on Monday. He will throw live batting practice next, and Atlanta will see how he feels after that before providing a timeline for his return.
Ronald Acuña Jr. is currently day-to-day
There's good news surrounding Braves superstar Ronald Acuña Jr. in regards to his calf injury. He reportedly hit in the batting cage on Monday, and the Braves are going to take things day-to-day until he is pain-free. He's eligible to return from the IL on August 9th.
#Braves' Acuña (calf strain) continues to get treatment. He hit in the batting cage today, Snitker said. No timetable, he's day to day and they'll wait until he's pain-free before activating him.
— David O'Brien (@DOBrienATL) August 4, 2025
Spencer Schwellenbach still isn't throwing
Losing Spencer Schwellenbach was tough, as he was pitching very well this season. Unfortunately, his elbow fracture will likely keep him out for the rest of the season. He isn't playing catch or anything at the moment. There's no reason to even try to rush him as the team needs him healthy next season.
Reynaldo Lopez begins his journey back to the mound
Braves starter Reynaldo Lopez is finally starting to play catch as he slowly works his way back to pitching. Lopez had a nice debut with the Braves in 2024, so hopefully, he can get back to pitching well for Atlanta in 2026, as no timetable has been provided at this time.
Austin RIley has no timetable to return this season
This is the second time Riley has been on the IL with an abdominal injury. He suffered this after a diving tag of Elly De La Cruz during the Speedway Classic on Sunday. The Braves would be wise to give him more time to get healthy before returning him to the field. This season is lost, and there's no need to push it.