New Headline: Braves Surge As Acuna & Olson Dominate Competitors This Season

MIAMI, FLORIDA - MARCH 14: Ronald Acuña Jr. #21 of Team Venezuela rounds the bases after his home run against Team Venezuela in the first inning during the 2026 World Baseball Classic at loanDepot park on March 14, 2026 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) | Getty Images Well the pitching has been an injury mess this spring, but it must be said that in general, pretty much everyone who has stayed healthy on the pitching and hitting side have performed at or above expectation so far.

If this team’s offense can really get going again and the bullpen is elite as it has the chance to be, the lack of starting pitching depth to start the season won’t hurt as badly, particularly if Chris Sale and Spencer Strider are healthy and humming. That’s a lot of ifs, but this team does still have significant talent. Braves News Ronald Acuna hit a leadoff homer for Venezuela against Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Japan in a heavyweight WBC clash that Venezuela eventually won.

Matt Olson homered and Bryce Elder had a solid day , as the Braves notched another Spring Training win. MLB News The Reds are taking the cautious route with top prospect Chase Burns and pulling back his spring workload. Angels’ Robert Stephenson has potential UCL damage and may need surgery.

Japanese stars Hiromi Itoh and Teruaki Sato are expected to be posted by their NBP teams next offseason . Italy defeated Puerto Rico , advancing to the WBC semifinal against Venezuela. Build Your Winning Bracket!