The All-Star break is over, and tonight we’re back into the swing of things. The Yankees players and coaches who did appear in this year’s Midsummer Classic didn’t have to go anywhere to rejoin the team, as the Yankees are slated to open up a three-game series in Atlanta against the Braves.
Atlanta had a hugely disappointing first half by their recent standards, as they come into this weekend at 42-53, which is only good for fourth place in the NL East, behind even the Marlins. It would take a remarkable
comeback for them to avoid missing the playoffs for the first time since 2017. A decent amount of their woes can be chalked up to injuries both past and present, as Chris Sale is currently out until August, up-and-comer Spencer Schwellenbach fractured elbow, and Ronald Acuña Jr. has only played 45 games. Ozzie Albies and Michael Harris II have had terrible years at the plate, too.
Although Atlanta had had a rough season at this point, the lineup as a whole still has plenty of talent, and they aren’t to be taken lightly. Acuña has been raking with a 184 OPS+ since making his season debut, catcher Drake Baldwin is an NL Rookie of the Year contender, and foes like Matt Olson, Austin Riley, Marcell Ozuna, and Sean Murphy are rarely easy at-bats.
Before the action gets going tonight, here’s a look at the projected pitching matchups for this weekend...or, well, maybe a look at what they might be.
Friday: TBD vs. Spencer Strider (7:15 pm ET)
So at time of writing, the Yankees haven’t confirmed what their rotation will be to kick off the second half. A large part of that mystery probably boils down to Max Fried, who is hoping to make his first career start against Atlanta after spending the first eight years of his career there. In his last start before the break, Fried struggled and ended up leaving early due to a blister on his pitching hand. The team is likely evaluating if he’s ready to go, or if they have to push him back a couple days to start the second half.
If Fried is good, he could go in this game considering that he didn’t pitch in the All-Star Game. If not, I’d guess they’ll either go with Marcus Stroman or rookie Cam Schlittler for this one, as Carlos Rodón pitched in the All-Star Game and Will Warren went in the final game before the break.
Back this year after missing most of last year with a UCL injury — but not one that required Tommy John surgery — Strider will get the start for the Braves. He’s been decent but not outstanding year so far, as his 3.94 ERA equates to a 104 ERA+. The so-so results as a whole could be partly attributed to rust from the long absence, as Strider has looked more like himself since mid-June with a 2.95 ERA, 2.48 FIP, and 50 K’s in 36.2 innings (six starts). Strider has both an Rookie of the Year runner-up and top-five Cy Young Award finish to his name since debuting in 2021, although the Yankees have yet to face him.
Saturday: Joey Wentz vs. TBD (7:15 PM ET)
As of Friday morning, we at least have Braves starters for the weekend, though the Yankees remain a mystery. If Fried doesn’t go in the opener, I would hope he would be good enough to face his former team in one of the second two games. This is also when you’re more likely to see the Yankees bring back Warren and Rodón, though we’ll see what happens in time. (Full rest for Rodón after his All-Star appearance would be the Sunday start.)
Atlanta’s rotation has been battered by injuries, so they’re down to Joey Wentz, whom they claimed off waivers from the Twins last week. The lefty’s got a 6.32 ERA to his name for 2025, as well as a 5.67 ERA for his career. Once a well-regarded prospect, things just haven’t quite gone to plan for Wentz. The 27-year-old throws a four-seamer that sits about 94 mph, as well as a changeup and curve.
Sunday: Grant Holmes vs. TBD (1:35 PM ET)
One of their final healthy options, Holmes has been a godsend for the Braves this year. Much like Wentz, Holmes seemed like a long-ago top prospect who just didn’t pan out as recently as last year. A first-round pick of the Dodgers back in 2014, he was sent to the Athletics with Frankie Montas as a key piece in a trade that sent Rich Hill and Josh Reddick to LA in 2016. Injuries and ineffectiveness dogged Holmes with the A’s organization, and he joined Atlanta’s system in August 2022.
Holmes made his major-league debut last year and provided the Braves a midseason boost, posting a 3.56 ERA in 68.1 innings, mostly as a reliever. He’s shifted to the rotation this year and continued to produce, running a 3.77 ERA in 105 innings, with 119 strikeouts and 50 walks. He leads with a slider that’s been among the best in baseball this year, along with a 94-mph four-seamer, a curveball, and a change.
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