Look, if you’re checking the TV guide or your favorite betting app to see who pitches for the Braves tonight, you might be a little early or just really eager for the return of the chop. Today is January 17, 2026. We are currently in the thick of the MLB offseason. There isn't a Major League game happening tonight, but that doesn't mean the pitching staff isn't the biggest topic of conversation in Atlanta right now.
Coming off a 2025 season that honestly felt like a rollercoaster with the wheels coming loose at the end, the Braves' rotation is under a microscope. General Manager Alex Anthopoulos has been busy. The roster you saw last October isn't exactly the one reporting to North Port in a few weeks.
If you're looking for an actual game "tonight" involving a team called the Braves, you’re likely thinking of Alcorn State. They play Texas Southern today at 4:00 PM ET. But for the Atlanta faithful, the "who pitches" question is really about who is going to be standing on that mound come Opening Day against the Royals on March 26.
The Frontman: Chris Sale and the Cy Young Shadow
It’s wild to think about, but Chris Sale has essentially become the bedrock of this staff. After his 2024 Cy Young campaign, he proved in 2025 that he still has that "weird" lefty delivery that makes hitters look foolish. Even with a rib injury that sidelined him for a bit last year, his 2.58 ERA was elite.
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When Spring Training starts on February 20, expect Sale to be the guy everyone is watching. He’s the projected Opening Day starter. Basically, he’s the veteran presence this young group needs while they wait for other arms to find their rhythm again.
The Spencer Strider Question Mark
The biggest mystery in Atlanta sports right now is Spencer Strider. We all remember the 2024 injury, but 2025 was... complicated. His velocity was down. His strikeout rate dipped. A 4.45 ERA for a guy with his "Quad God" reputation is unheard of.
People are worried. Is he still an ace? He’s been working at Tread Athletics this winter, trying to regain that triple-digit heater. If he comes back looking like the 2023 version of himself, the Braves are World Series favorites. If not, they’ve got a massive hole in the #2 spot.
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The New Look Rotation for 2026
So, if there was a game tonight, what would the depth chart even look like? The rotation has shifted quite a bit. Here is how the pecking order is shaking out as we head into the spring:
- Chris Sale: The undisputed leader.
- Spencer Strider: Fighting to reclaim his throne.
- Reynaldo López: After proving he can handle a starter's workload, he’s locked in.
- Spencer Schwellenbach: The breakout star of late 2024/2025 who basically saved the season.
- Hurston Waldrep or AJ Smith-Shawver: The young guns fighting for that final spot.
It’s a different vibe than the Max Fried era. It feels younger, riskier, and somehow more explosive.
Why the Bullpen Might Actually Be the Story
Last year, the bullpen was a mess. A 4.19 ERA from the relievers? That’s not Atlanta baseball. Anthopoulos clearly took that personally. This offseason, the Braves have been aggressive, bringing in arms like Robert Suárez and Tyler Kinley to bridge the gap to Raisel Iglesias.
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If the starters can't go deep early in the season—which is common when pitchers are still building up arm strength—the revamped "Night Shift" is going to have to carry the load.
What to Watch in the Coming Weeks
Since there's no game tonight, your best bet for Braves content is keeping an eye on the North Port reports. Pitchers and catchers report in less than a month (February 10).
- Check the medical reports: Watch for updates on Spencer Strider’s throwing sessions.
- Monitor the non-roster invitees: The Braves always find a "diamond in the rough" during the spring.
- WBC Participation: Some guys might be leaving camp early for the World Baseball Classic in March.
The Braves aren't playing tonight, but the work being done in private facilities right now will determine if they’re still playing next October. Keep an eye on the velocity readings coming out of the early workouts; that’s where the real news is.
Next Steps for Braves Fans:
- Mark February 21 on your calendar for the first Spring Training game against the Rays.
- Keep an eye on local beat writers like Justin Toscano for any late-January free agent splashes.
- Check the Alcorn State score if you genuinely just wanted to see a team named the Braves play today.