Braves hope JR Ritchie can pull team out of downturn vs. Giants

Jun 12, 2026; New York City, New York, USA; Atlanta Braves relief pitcher Jr. Ritchie (60) reacts after throwing a runner out at first base in the sixth inning against the New York Mets at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images | Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images The Braves are firmly mired

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What is the story about?

The Braves are firmly mired in their first extended skid of the 2026 season.

After an uncompetitive 7-2 loss to the San Francisco Giants — who have the second-worst record in the National League —in a game concluded Wednesday after it was delayed a few innings in on Tuesday, the Braves have lost five of their last six games.

To put it in perspective, they hadn’t even lost four games of a six-game span before this slump.

Atlanta turns to rookie righty JR Ritchie (1-1, 3.82 ERA) to look to earn a Wednesday

split and set up a Thursday rubber match, weather permitting.

Ritchie was sent back down to Gwinnett last month after making his first five career major league starts. It wasn’t clear if Ritchie was going to be a starter or reliever upon his return to Atlanta, but Spencer Strider being sidelined with elbow inflammation made that choice for the Braves, thrusting Ritchie back into the rotation for the time being.

His first outing back was a relief appearance, just the second of his professional career. It was also his best career major league outing to date as he replaced Strider and allowed two hits and two walks over five scoreless innings —his first outing without allowing a run — while striking out five.

The hope is that appearance can be something to build around as he enters his first career game against a NL West team.

The Giants will be starting a similarly new pitcher to this level in Carson Whisenhunt, who will be making his season debut at the major league level in this start. The 25-year-old 11th-ranked prospect in the Giants organization made his first five starts in the majors last season, posting a 2-1 record and 5.01 ERA with 16 strikeouts, 12 walks and six home runs allowed in 23 1/3 innings.

The southpaw has a 5-2 record and 3.65 ERA in 14 games (13 starts) this season for Triple-A Sacramento, with 77 strikeouts and 30 walks in 69 innings.

No member of the Braves’ offense has faced Whisenhunt, just like no Giants player has faced Ritchie.

Lineups aren’t up for the nightcap yet. It seems unlikely Michael Harris II will be available after he exited Tuesday night with lower back tightness. Walt Weiss also confirmed between games that Drake Baldwin won’t catch the nightcap either after he returned from his oblique injury Tuesday night.