Braves Place Multiple Key Players on IL Ahead of Opening Day
With Opening Day just days away, the Atlanta Braves made several injured list (IL) designations, sidelining key players as they finalize their roster for the start of the 2025 season. The team announced that Ronald Acuña Jr., Nacho Alvarez Jr., Sean Murphy, Joe Jiménez, and Spencer Strider have all been moved to the IL.
Breakdown of the IL Moves:
- Ronald Acuña Jr. (10-day IL) – Recovering from left knee ACL reconstruction, the reigning MVP remains out indefinitely. His timeline for return is uncertain, but he’s expected to need ample recovery time.
- Nacho Alvarez Jr. (10-day IL) – The infielder has been dealing with left wrist inflammation since late February and will need additional time before resuming full baseball activities.
- Sean Murphy (10-day IL) – The catcher suffered a fractured left ribcage and, while recently cleared for baseball activities, still needs a few more weeks before a return.
- Spencer Strider (15-day IL) – The ace right-hander is sidelined with a right elbow UCL injury, a significant blow to Atlanta’s rotation. His return timeline remains unclear.
- Joe Jiménez (15-day IL) – Recovering from major knee surgery, the reliever is expected to miss most—if not all—of the 2025 season. The Braves will likely transfer him to the 60-day IL once a roster spot is needed.
What This Means for the Braves
While these IL moves were expected, they clarify who will be available to start the season and which positions the team may need to reinforce in the short term. With Acuña and Strider sidelined, the Braves will have to lean on their depth as they open their 2025 campaign.
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