Constructing a bullpen on Opening Day is rarely an exact science, and the Atlanta Braves face the added complication of beginning the 2026 season with a stretch of 13 games in 13 days. As a result, some bullpen roster spots may ultimately go to pitchers that many fans might not expect.
Braves insider Mark Bowman recently shared his latest thoughts on the situation, and his roster projection includes two remaining bullpen spots for five potential candidates. Among those he projects to secure one of the final openings is left-handed pitcher Dylan Dodd.
The 27-year-old left-hander Dylan Dodd has spent the past few seasons moving between Atlanta Braves and their Triple-A affiliate, the Gwinnett Stripers, though he appeared to make a notable breakthrough in 2025. This spring, Dodd has logged 7.2 innings with a 3.52 ERA, further strengthening his case to break camp with the major league club.
With the Braves possessing more bullpen depth than in recent years, Dodd will still need to continue performing well if he hopes to secure and maintain a spot in Atlanta’s bullpen during the 2026 season.
Dylan Dodd comes into this Spring Training with an opportunity to claim a spot in the #Braves bullpen. He was quietly good last season after transitioning from starter to reliever.
— Grant McAuley (@grantmcauley) February 21, 2026
Gets grounders, doesn't walk guys, misses bats. Not a bad combination. pic.twitter.com/X1EGx6B7tV
Dylan Dodd might be on his last chance to stick in MLB with the Braves
Dodd’s ability to pitch multiple innings, combined with his recent stretch of success at the Major League level, made him the logical choice to claim the third left-handed spot in the Atlanta Braves bullpen over prospect Hayden Harris.
Dodd delivered the best season of his career in 2025, aided in large part by adjustments to his fastball arsenal. Last year, he moved away from his traditional four-seam fastball, more than doubling his cutter usage while also introducing a sinker—changes that produced strong results on the mound.
This trajectory offers optimism that Dodd has identified what it takes to remain at the Major League level with the Atlanta Braves. However, Dodd still has a minor league option remaining, meaning that if he struggles to produce results or stay healthy, the organization could choose to send him back down rather than keep him in Atlanta.
Normally, that wouldn’t be the end of the world for a young pitcher in a successful organization like the Braves. However, the club is quickly building a wave of legitimate upper–minor league pitching talent. The aforementioned Hayden Harris is part of that group, while promising arms such as Jhancarlos Lara and Lucas Braun are rapidly working their way up the system.
Ultimately, Dodd appears to have a legitimate opportunity to open the season in the bullpen for the Braves. His improved pitch mix and ability to handle multiple innings make him a valuable option, particularly during a demanding stretch to begin the year.
At the same time, the organization’s growing pitching depth means little will be guaranteed beyond Opening Day. With rising arms like Hayden Harris, Jhancarlos Lara, and Lucas Braun pushing toward the Major Leagues, Dodd will need to continue proving that his 2025 adjustments were more than a temporary breakthrough. If he does, he could carve out a lasting role in Atlanta’s bullpen; if not, the Braves have no shortage of alternatives waiting for their opportunity.