Braves' 13-game grind to open season will affect pitching plans
By Mark Bowman
Published on March 12, 2026.
The Atlanta Braves are set to play 13 games in the first two weeks of the season, potentially using a six-man rotation during this period. This could increase the possibility of journeyman José Suarez starting the season on Atlanta's roster. This decision comes after Dylan Dodd was not placed on the Opening Day roster in 2023, which allowed the Braves to begin the season with an extra reliever named Michael Tonkin. The Braves’ first five starters will likely be Chris Sale, Spencer Strider, Reynaldo López, Grant Holmes and Bryce Elder. If Suarez is needed within the first week, there's a chance he would be subsequently DFA'd to optimize roster depth.
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