Braves-Dodgers injury report: Atlanta’s stars near return, L.A.’s pitching staff depleted
ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) – The Atlanta Braves open a three-game series against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Friday, marking the third of 15 regular season games broadcast on Gray Media in 2025.
After starting the campaign with a forgettable 0-7 start, Atlanta has gained some ground back in the NL East, sitting in third place with a 14-16 record and winning 9 of its last 12 games.
And while that’s mostly due to recent turnaround performances from most of the crew, it also has to do with the fact that the team is getting some important pieces back from the injured list.
Catcher Sean Murphy returned to the lineup just a few weeks into May, leading the team with seven home runs in 60 at-bats. Spencer Strider made his first start in over a year on April 16 in Toronto, allowing two earned runs and striking out five Blue Jays across five innings of work.
However, Strider returned to the injury list on April 21 after straining his right hamstring while playing catch. He is expected to return to the rotation in late May.
Ronald Acuña Jr. was cleared to resume baseball activities not too long ago, and that’s really the last we’ve heard of him and his rehab since. But even until he returns, the Braves have Eli White and Alex Verdugo playing inspiring baseball on the corner outfield spots.
Here’s the full injury report:
Walker Buehler injury puts Red Sox in a bind Dodgers fans know all too well
The Boston Red Sox are finally approaching stable ground. After a bumpy start to the campaign, Boston is slowly putting the pieces together. Rafael Devers is back on track. Trevor Story has experienced a minor renaissance in the heart of the lineup. Alex Bregman, Wilyer Abreu and Kristian Campbell are all performing at an All-Star level.
Meanwhile, Boston has its centerpiece ace in Garrett Crochet, whose recent contract extension ensures that he will spend the best years of his career in a Red Sox uniform. Lucas Giolito returned from injury on Wednesday. Brayan Bello made his long-awaited return recently. Things are looking up.
And yet, the baseball gods appear determined to put as many obstacles in the way of Alex Cora’s team as possible. After an impressive six innings of work against the Cleveland Guardians this past Saturday, Walker Buehler “didn’t bounce back well from his start,” per MassLive’s Christopher Smith. He has been sent back to Boston for further testing.
Walker Buehler didn’t bounce back well (shoulder) from his start and is back in Boston for testing
Buehler is evidently dealing with a shoulder issue, which naturally raises alarm bells throughout New England. We have been waiting for weeks to see this Red Sox rotation operating at something close to full strength. Now, the wait may continue for an indefinite period of time.
Unfortunately for Boston fans, this is an all too common experience with Buehler — something Los Angeles Dodgers fans probably could’ve warned them about.
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Walker Buehler’s shoulder injury once again shines a spotlight on vulnerable Red Sox rotation
When he’s at his best, Buehler can go pitch-for-pitch with MLB’s very best. He was essential to the Dodgers’ 2024 World Series run, returning from an injury-plagued regular season and finding his stride at the perfect moment. He was, fittingly, on the mound to close out L.A.’s Game 5, series-clinching victory over the Yankees with a two-strikeout save.
