Spring Training might not be about the final score, but rather the stories that unfold on the field. For the Braves, their 8-1 loss came with a silver lining, particularly in the pitching department. Chris Sale and top prospect JR Ritchie delivered performances that could bode well for the upcoming season.
Sale, the seasoned Cy Young winner, showed he’s still got it, hitting the mid-90s on the radar gun and peaking at 96 mph. His two innings of work were vintage Sale-three strikeouts and no runs allowed. It’s the kind of midseason form you love to see in February.
Then came Ritchie, who followed Sale’s lead with two scoreless innings of his own. The young prospect didn’t allow a hit, walked just one, and struck out a batter.
His pitch mix kept hitters guessing, showcasing a repertoire that seems ready for the big leagues. While the Braves might not rush him to the majors, don’t be surprised if Ritchie makes his debut sometime in the first half of 2026.
Offensively, the Braves rolled out a lineup that closely resembles what we’ll see on Opening Day. Though runs were scarce, the top five batters each notched a hit. Drake Baldwin, last year’s NL Rookie of the Year, stood out with two hits, including a home run, offering a glimpse of his continued potential.
The Braves’ rotation has been a hot topic, with concerns about their durability over a 162-game season. But let’s not overlook the offense, which has its own set of expectations.
Back in 2023, this lineup was rewriting the record books, but injuries and inconsistency have kept them from reaching those heights again. If they can harness their potential, they could be one of baseball’s best offensive units-something they’ll need given the rotation’s question marks.
In essence, while the scoreboard might not have favored the Braves, the performances on the mound and flashes at the plate suggest there’s plenty to be optimistic about as the season approaches.