NEWS NOW : Braves Shake Up Rotation: Surprise Picks and Notable Omissions Ahead of Opening Day!

Braves Lock in Starting Rotation for 2025 Season Ahead of Opening Day

With Opening Day just around the corner, the Atlanta Braves have finalized their starting pitching rotation for the 2025 season. Despite injuries lingering from last year, the team has assembled a solid group of arms to lead their charge into the new campaign.

Top of the Rotation: A Dynamic Duo

• Chris Sale, the reigning NL Cy Young winner, has been named the Opening Day starter. Following a stellar 2024 season, the veteran lefty will take the mound against the San Diego Padres to kick off Atlanta’s season.
• Reynaldo López, coming off a breakout All-Star campaign where he posted a 1.99 ERA in 25 starts, will take the second game of the series. López emerged as a key piece of the Braves’ rotation last season and looks to build on that success in 2025.

Uncertainty at the Back End

With Spencer Strider sidelined to start the season due to his ongoing recovery from elbow surgery, the Braves will rely on a mix of young talent and experience to round out their rotation:

• Spencer Schwellenbach secured the No. 3 spot after an impressive spring training. The young right-hander, who made his MLB debut last season, is expected to play a crucial role in Atlanta’s pitching staff.
• AJ Smith-Shawver, a promising 22-year-old, will take the mound for the series finale in San Diego. Despite limited major league experience, he has the opportunity to establish himself in the rotation.
• Grant Holmes, a seasoned minor leaguer who transitioned into a starting role late last year, will round out the rotation. He is set to start the March 31st matchup against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
• 

Outlook for the Season

While Sale and López provide a dominant one-two punch at the top, the remaining three spots remain a work in progress. With Strider’s return on the horizon, Schwellenbach, Smith-Shawver, and Holmes will need to prove themselves early in the season. The Braves are betting on upside and potential, hoping their rotation can hold firm as they aim for another deep postseason run.