Given the rash of injuries that have befallen the Atlanta Braves this spring, a lot of the mystery was removed from their competition for spots on the Opening Day roster. There were certainly some questions to answer about the bullpen and a couple of bench spots, but most of the Braves' choices have basically been forced upon them just because they need warm bodies. Now that the roster is out, it shows exactly how tenuous the Braves' situation truly is to start 2026.
Again, no one thought that something wild would happen, like Chris Sale being DFA'd or Ronald Acuña Jr. not making the team. Most of the Braves' decisions were very straightforward. However, once you look at the now-released Braves Opening Day roster, it is clear to see that the Braves are near the limit of their depth right from the start of the season.
Your 2026 Atlanta Braves Opening Day Roster!#BravesCountry pic.twitter.com/vS5mcpZR0g
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) March 25, 2026
Braves release Opening Day roster that feels like it is on the edge of disaster (but not quite)
Once you realize that the Braves had to include Osvaldo Bido on their Opening Day roster who they just claimed again off of waivers on Tuesday, you understand Atlanta's real depth concerns. While not widely reported, most thought that Daysbel Hernandez would be in the conversation for a bullpen spot, but he is headed to the IL with a cyst in his shoulder. Between that loss and the fact that Bido can, in theory, throw multiple innings, the move makes sense even if it looks rough.
The whole roster feels that way. As expected, Didier Fuentes made the roster after an incredible spring and will serve as a fallback option in case there are shortcomings in the rotation. Reynaldo Lopez did not get placed on the IL, although his recent massive velocity drop is going to be a concern until he shows otherwise. Jonah Heim is the Braves' backup catcher until Sean Murphy hopefully returns in May.
With Jurickson Profar's suspension, that opened the door for Dominic Smith to get an opportunity, for better or worse. Ha-Seong Kim is also out until May, which means Dubon is shifting over to being the short-term shortstop and gives Jorge Mateo a place on the bench.
In short, Atlanta did manage to piece together a roster that looks "good enough" for now, but now a lot of things have to go right during the early portion of their schedule. Reinforcements should be coming from the injured list and the minor leagues relatively soon, but the Braves are having to rely on some less-than-ideal options to start with, and that does not feel great.