The Atlanta Braves commenced a three-game series against the Colorado Rockies on Friday. Outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr.(knee) and right-hander Spencer strider (right elbow) have recently rejoined the active roster after recovering from injuries sustained during the 2024 season and the beginning of 2025. Despite their return, the team has faced challenges in gaining momentum in the NL East.

Right-hander AJ Smith-shawver’s extraordinary campaign, which had him in contention for the NL Rookie of the Year Award, was cut short on May 29 when he suffered a torn right ulnar collateral ligament. This injury will sideline him for the remainder of 2025 and part of 2026. Bryce Elder is set to take Smith-Shawver’s place in the rotation for the time being, starting on Friday.

The team is also missing bullpen arm Daysbel Hernandez, who is dealing with right forearm inflammation, retroactive to June 5. Hernandez had been a key reliever for the team, posting a 2.22 ERA in 24.1 innings.

The Colorado Rockies continue to struggle, facing difficulties regardless of player availability.

The Rockies are currently on track to perhaps be one of the worst teams in baseball history,holding a 13-55 record,which projects to a 31-131 record over a full 162-game season. To provide context,the 2024 Chicago White Sox,considered the worst team in MLB history,finished with a 41-121 record.

Following a series win against the Milwaukee Brewers, the Braves have an opportunity to build momentum against the struggling Rockies.

Injury Reports

The Rockies are on pace to be one of the worst, if not the worst, baseball teams in history.

Here’s the latest on player injuries:

Braves Injury Report

• INF Nacho Alvarez Jr. (left wrist inflammation) – expected return is late June
• OF Stuart Fairchild (dislocated right pinkie) – expected return is TBD
• RHP Daysbel hernandez (right forearm inflammation) – expected return is TBD
• RHP Joe jimenez (left knee surgery) – will not return before August, could miss the entirety of 2025
• RHP Reynaldo López (right shoulder inflammation) – expected return is TBD
• RHP AJ Smith-Shawver (torn right UCL) – underwent Tommy John surgery on June 9, out for the season and part of 2026

Rockies Injury Report

Here is the current Rockies injury report:

• OF Kris Bryant (lumbar degenerative disk disease) – expected return date is TBD
• RHP Ryan Feltner (back spasms) – expected return date is TBD
• LHP Austin Gomber (left shoulder soreness) – expected return is mid-June
• RHP Tanner Gordon (left oblique strain) – expected return date is TBD
• Inf Ezequiel Tovar (left oblique strain) – expected return date is TBD

First pitch is scheduled for 7:15 p.m. EST on Friday.