Braves top prospect had worst possible way to start MLB career
When Braves prospect JR Ritchie gets asked about his "Welcome to the Big Leagues" moment, he won't have to think too deeply about that one. It happened on the very first pitch. Ahead of Thursday's game against the Nationals, the Braves called up Ritchie ā their No.
2 prospect ā to make his MLB debut at 22 years old. Ritchie had been dominant in the minors, posting a 0. 99 ERA in five Triple-A starts.
But the difference between Triple-A and MLB is huge. Hitters generally don't let pitchers get away with mistakes. He learned that the hard way against Nationals slugger James Wood.
James Wood slugs a first-pitch leadoff homer! He's hit 5 home runs in his last 7 games šŖ pic. twitter.
com/Y4P1pEBJ2S ā MLB (@MLB) April 23, 2026 Ritchie grooved a 94 mph, first-pitch fastball right down the middle, and Wood didn't miss. He took Ritchie deep on the first pitch of his MLB career. And with that, Ritchie joined some rare company.