The Atlanta Braves open the second half of the MLB season this weekend with a half-game lead in the National League East and the All-Star Game coming to Truist Park.
Here are five things to know about where the Braves stand heading into the break:
1. They’re in first place — barely.
Atlanta’s 51-42 record entering the break has them a half-game ahead of Philadelphia. The Braves have been in first place since June but the margin has been thin, never more than two games.
2. The rotation has been the story.
Chris Sale, Spencer Strider, Max Fried, and Reynaldo Lopez have combined for one of the best rotations in baseball. Sale, an All-Star, is the favorite for the NL Cy Young Award with a 2.20 ERA. Strider has bounced back from an inconsistent 2025, and Fried has been a model of consistency all season.
3. The bullpen needs help.
Raisel Iglesias has been excellent as closer, but setup men Pierce Johnson, Dylan Lee, and Aaron Bummer have all had their struggles. General manager Alex Anthopoulos is expected to be active ahead of the July 31 trade deadline.
4. The All-Star Game is Tuesday at Truist Park.
The 96th Midsummer Classic will be broadcast on Fox at 8 p.m. Sale will represent the Braves, as will outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. and catcher Drake Baldwin.
5. The MLB Draft was a hit.
Atlanta used its two first-round picks on collegiate outfielders — Virginia’s AJ Gracia at No. 9 and Indiana State’s Carter Beck at No. 26 — and added 19 more prospects over the rest of the draft. The team’s strategy of prioritizing college bats over high school arms appears to be paying off.
The Braves resume play Friday at home against the Texas Rangers. They will play the Rangers through the weekend before hosting the San Diego Padres next week.