As the 2026 MLB season kicks off, Braves fans have their eyes on a few key players who had less-than-stellar performances last year. Among position players, Ozzie Albies, Austin Riley, and Sean Murphy are under the microscope. While some fans have their doubts, it's all part of the passionate discourse that makes baseball so engaging.
Then there's Reynaldo Lopez. After a single start last year, he's back, and questions linger about his post-recovery velocity and overall form.
However, his latest outing - one run over six solid innings - should offer some reassurance. If Lopez continues like this, he might just silence the skeptics.
Facing Lopez was Michael Wacha, who delivered a standout performance against the Braves. Despite a rare error by Matt Olson leading to a second run, the Braves found themselves trailing 2-0 heading into the ninth inning.
Now, if you missed the bottom of the ninth, it was a real treat. The sequence went walk-single-pop out-single-walk-single-homer, culminating in a thrilling comeback. Michael Harris II nearly ended the game with a sharp hit up the middle, but a fortuitous deflection off Carlos Estevez's foot turned a potential double play into a game-tying single.
The spotlight, however, was on Dominic Smith, whose walk-off grand slam sealed the victory. While I've had my doubts about Smith's impact on the team, moments like these can certainly sway opinions.
His dramatic homer joins an elite list of walk-off grand slams in Atlanta history, putting him alongside names like Javy Lopez and Brian Jordan. Welcome to the club, Dom.
The Braves' ambitions for a perfect season might be a stretch, but with performances like this, fans can dream. The team still faces challenges, especially with strategic decisions like the use of challenges, which have been less than optimal. But if they keep playing at this level, anything's possible.
I'll be back with more recaps next Friday. Until then, here's hoping the Braves keep this winning streak alive. After all, in baseball, true faith can sometimes lead to miracles.