Gabriel Burns

Atlanta

Sports and Features Writer at The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Sports & features writer @ajc | I retired from the @braves beat on top | @baseballamerica ATL correspondent | BBWAA | Passion, commitment & humbleness

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Articles

Ronald Acuña Jr., Spencer Strider take significant steps toward Braves return

2 days ago | ajc.com | Gabriel Burns

The Braves really need some help after stumbling into a 19-21 record over their first 40 games. Some assistance appears to be on its way. Ace starter Spencer Strider (strained right hamstring) will pitch a simulated game Wednesday, setting him up for a potential return next week. Former MVP outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. (recovering from a torn left ACL), meanwhile, will begin a rehab assignment Tuesday in the Florida Complex League, making his return a matter of weeks.
Falcons rookies could earn ‘significant’ playing time in 2025 season

5 days ago | ajc.com | Gabriel Burns

FLOWERY BRANCH — When speaking with reporters Friday during rookie minicamp, Falcons coach Raheem Morris emphasized his team will rely on youngsters in 2025. “Make no mistake about it, we’re going to have some real intentionality with playing our rookies this season,” he said.
Braves prospect Hurston Waldrep now at Triple-A Gwinnett

6 days ago | ajc.com | Gabriel Burns

The Braves already have been forced to navigate injuries in their rotation. But one youngster has remained behind the scenes. Hurston Waldrep, the club’s first-round MLB draft pick in 2023, is stationed at Triple-A Gwinnett. And he’s enduring what he coined “growing pains.” The righty has a 7.04 ERA over six outings, along with a 21:18 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 23 innings.
Braves can’t get to .500 as comeback attempt falls short

1 week ago | ajc.com | Gabriel Burns

Eventually, it seems the Braves will reach .500. But that moment didn’t occur on Wednesday. The Braves, 17-18 after three straight wins, were stifled by Hunter Greene and a litany of Reds relievers, leading to a 4-3 loss at Truist Park. It was the Braves’ third opportunity to reach .500 – the others being 0-1 and 14-15 – as they continue digging themselves out of their atrocious start.
These 5 Braves have been pleasant surprises so far

1 week ago | ajc.com | Gabriel Burns

The Braves are within one victory of .500 yet again, continuing their improved play since a dreadful 0-7 start. They’ve already had multiple unexpected contributors emerge. Here are five pleasant surprises for the Braves (in no particular order):1. Outfielder Alex VerdugoThe Braves signed Verdugo just before the season as a minor investment to improve their depth. He has now produced to the point one wonders where the Braves would be without him. Ronald Acuña is still sidelined.
Braves aren’t close to Dodgers’ level, but they have time to get there

1 week ago | timesfreepress.com | Gabriel Burns

When Raisel Iglesias struck out Austin Barnes, the sellout crowd at Truist Park breathed a collective sigh of relief. The Braves finally got the best of the Dodgers. It took everything they had to protect a 4-0 lead, deploying their best relievers, making several impressive defensive snags and ultimately leaving the potential tying run stranded at third after Iglesias fanned consecutive hitters.
Braves aren’t close to Dodgers’ level, but they have time to get there

1 week ago | ajc.com | Gabriel Burns

When Raisel Iglesias struck out Austin Barnes, the sellout crowd at Truist Park breathed a collective sigh of relief. The Braves finally got the best of the Dodgers. It took everything they had to protect a 4-0 lead, deploying their best relievers, making several impressive defensive snags and ultimately leaving the potential tying run stranded at third after Iglesias fanned consecutive hitters.
Austin Riley’s two homers continue his surge, help Braves avoid sweep

1 week ago | ajc.com | Gabriel Burns

The Braves needed one of their All-Stars to help propel them out of this skid. Enter third baseman Austin Riley, who’s overcome a troublesome first week with All-Star-worthy production. With his Braves desperate to avoid a sweep, Riley homered twice off Dodgers righty Dustin May in a 4-3 victory Sunday at Truist Park. It snapped the Braves’ three-game losing streak, which was their longest skid since beginning the season 0-7. It was the team’s first win over the Dodgers in six contests.
Braves offer multiple discounts with ‘May in the A’ promo

1 week ago | ajc.com | Gabriel Burns

The Braves have launched a new promotion that covers their next two home series following the conclusion of their weekend matchup with the Dodgers. The “May in the A” special includes multiple giveaways and discounts during the Braves’ upcoming weekday series against the Reds (May 5-8) and Nationals (May 12-15). Here are some of the offerings during those games:$10 general admission tickets and $30 Home Run Porch (outfield) tickets are currently available.
As Braves seek consistent offense, Matt Olson is starting to provide

1 week ago | ajc.com | Gabriel Burns

Setting aside the Braves’ underwhelming start and looking for positive trends that could be indicative of the summer to come: Matt Olson is continuously improving. The Braves’ All-Star first baseman had a subpar 2024 by his lofty standards, posting a .767 OPS that marked his worst over a full season. Then he began his 2025 campaign by going 2-for-14 in April. But he’s beginning to resemble his expected form.