Braves Weekly Watch: Starting on the road

The Braves made a significant addition during the offseason and had some subtractions as well, but Atlanta still has World Series aspirations in 2023. Here’s what to watch for on Opening Day and beyond.

The Atlanta Braves retooled their roster during the offseason with the acquisition of catcher Sean Murphy. Atlanta then immediately inked the backstop to a six-year extension. Murphy now joins the likes of Austin Riley, Michael Harris II, and Spencer Strider as part of the young core that President of Baseball Operations Alex Anthopoulos is pinning his championship hopes to.

But the Braves incurred some losses this offseason as well. Gone are All-Star catcher William Contreras and slick-fielding shortstop Dansby Swanson. Does Atlanta have what it takes to compete in the uber-competitive NL East?

Opening Day for the Atlanta Braves this season will be on the road in our nation’s capital with a three-game series against the Washington Nationals.

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Here’s what Braves fans should be watching for this week:

Opening Day: Mar. 30 Atlanta Braves at Washington Nationals

Projected Pitching Matchup: Max Fried vs. Patrick Corbin

Max Fried finished second in the NL Cy Young race last season. The left-hander was dominant at times for Atlanta in 2022, and Braves manager Brian Snitker will undoubtedly be hoping for a repeat performance in 2023. With the Nationals in the midst of a rebuild, there’s not really any one player in the Washington lineup that should intimidate Fried on Opening Day. Frankly, the Braves shouldn’t be scared of Patrick Corbin who was absolutely dreadful in 2022. If there’s no improvement from last year to this year, the Braves lineup could have a field day against the Nats starter.

Apr. 1 Atlanta Braves at Miami Marlins

Projected Pitching Matchup: Spencer Strider vs. Josiah Gray

While Max Fried was the runner-up in the chase for the NL Cy Young Award in 2022, Spencer Strider finished second behind teammate Michael Harris II for the NL Rookie of the Year crown. The lefty was incredible during his first full season in the bigs with 202 punch-outs in just 131.2 innings of work. Josiah Gray led the National League in home runs allowed last season, so look for the trio of Austin Riley, Matt Olson, and Ronald Acuña Jr. to tee off on the Nationals hurler.

Apr. 2 Atlanta Braves at Miami Marlins

Projected Pitching Matchup: Kyle Wright vs. Trevor Williams

In the series finale, Kyle Wright hopes to continue winning in 2023. After spending 24 games in the minors during the 2021 season, Wright started 30 games in the big leagues last year and led the NL in wins (21). With no timetable for Stephen Strasburg’s recovery from thoracic outlet syndrome, Washington will likely turn to right-hander Trevor Williams. Ronald Acuña Jr. has two home runs in his career against Williams, so the Braves outfielder will be locked in when facing the Nats starter.