PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 17: Ronald Acuña Jr. #13 of the Atlanta Braves celebrates a 9-0 win over the Philadelphia Phillies with Austin Riley #27 at Citizens Bank Park on April 17, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images) | Getty Images The Braves continue to just cruise this season, in a refreshing departure from last season. Chris Sale had a really nice outing against the Phillies’ lineup on Saturday, backed up by Dylan Lee and Robert Suarez, while the offense got enough done to win the game. That makes for the sixth series win this season, as the Braves have still not lost a series in 2026.

Atlanta is 14-7, 5 games clear in the division lead, and has the best run differential in baseball. That is nothing short of a fantastic start, especially given all of the talent Atlanta has on the IL, and how much of that talent could be returning in the coming months. Braves NewsHa-Seong Kim has been taking batting practice and is set to participate in a simulated game this week, as he approaches his return from injury.

Grant McAuley took a look at Austin Riley and his attempt to bounce back from a couple of down years at the plate. We remembered Garret Anderson, who passed away far too young this week. MLB NewsZach Wheeler looks on pace to return from his injury late this month, perhaps to face the Braves in Atlanta.

The Phillies placed star reliever Jhoan Duran on the 15-Day IL with a “mild” oblique strain that they are hopeful he will be able to return from quickly. The Mets placed Jorge Polanco on the 10-day IL with a wrist contusion.