JR

Ritchie

Ritchie gave up one hit, issued one walk and also hit three batters. The 22-year-old top pitching prospect averaged 94.1 mph on his fastball and got six of his seven punchouts on his curveball. The latest strong outing lowers his ERA to a microscopic 1.72 this season. It’s plausible he’ll get a chance to join Atlanta’s injury-depleted rotation at some point this summer but he’s likely to spend at least a couple more weeks at the Triple-A level.

Ritchie averaged 94 mph on his four-seam fastball, which also picked up three whiffs. His curve stood out as an elite pitch for him in this one, but he did struggle to get ahead in the count, not throwing a single first-pitch strike with his four-seam fastball. The Braves are struggling with the health of their rotation, so Ritchie could pitch his way into MLB innings, but he will need to tighten up the command a bit.

The good news is that the injury is not related to his arm. The bad news is that, because of pitching mechanics, oblique strains can sideline pitchers for four to six weeks. Strider will not be able to throw while he manages the pain and inflammation. He will then begin some strengthening exercises and work his way back onto the mound and have to ramp up his pitch count again. Fantasy managers should expect Strider back in the rotation sometime in early May. Until then, the Braves will likely turn to either Jose Suarez or Didier Fuentes in their starting rotation; however, they could also decide to add any of Martin Perez, Carlos Carrasco, or JR Ritchie to their 40-man roster as well.

Dodd has the most big league experience of the bunch and should get an opportunity at some point during the 2026 season, but he’s not the biggest surprise in this group. That honor goes to JR Ritchie, who posted a stellar 2.25 ERA, 0.58 WHIP and a 14/5 K/BB ratio over 12 innings during Grapefruit League action. Given the injuries in the Braves’ rotation, it’s mildly shocking that he didn’t head north with the big league club.

The only batter to reach against him was Adolis García on a HBP. If it came down to talent, the Braves’ fifth starter to begin the year would certainly be either Ritchie or Didier Fuentes. Nevertheless, it’d be a surprise if the choice isn’t either Bryce Elder or Martín Pérez. The 22-year-old Ritchie still needs to get a little better at avoiding walks before he’ll truly be ready.

Ritchie allowed just one hit, but between the four walks and the HBP, today seems like a setback for the 22-year-old. He’s been getting hyped as the Braves’ best option for the fifth spot in their rotation, but since he’s competing against a bunch of pitchers who are out of options, all signs point to him opening up in the minors.

It was the 22-year-old’s most dominant performance at Triple-A yet. The Braves’ second-ranked prospect used a deep six-pitch mix to post a 37 percent whiff rate and 38 percent CSW, led by a sinker that pounded the zone and a curveball that had a 50 percent whiff rate. You have to wonder if the Braves would consider getting him an MLB start or two to close out the season and see whether or not he can be a factor for them in 2026.

Wetherholt — who was promoted to Triple-A Memphis earlier this week — headlines a senior circuit lineup that includes rising fantasy sensation Konnor Griffin, who has emerged as arguably the top prospect in the entire dynasty landscape during his professional debut. It also features Dodgers burgeoning sluggers Zyhir Hope and Josue De Paula in addition to Brewers phenom Jesús Made, who has cemented his status as a top-10 dynasty prospect in the game. Here’s the full lineup: Wetherholt (DH), Griffin (SS), Owen Caissie (RF), Charlie Condon (1B), Hope (CF), Made (2B), De Paula (LF), LuJames Groover (3B), Joe Mack (C) and JR Ritchie (P).

Ritchie was the first-round pick for Atlanta in 2022 and underwent Tommy John surgery in May of 2023. This season, he has a 1.30 ERA, 0.79 WHIP, and 38:10 K:BB ratio in 41 2/3 innings at High-A. He’s not going to push for an MLB promotion this year, but it’s nice for Atlanta to see their former top pick back on the mound and pitching at a high level.

Ritchie has been sidelined in the lower minors with a right elbow injury and appears headed for a lengthy absence. The 19-year-old was a supplemental first-round pick by the Braves back in the 2022 MLB Draft.