Craig Kimbrel shines, Ronald Acuña Jr. return looming

On the field, things went about as poorly as possible for the Braves last night.

With Spencer Schwellenbach toeing the rubber, who had been absolutely perfect in his first three starts, it was the clubs best opportunity to win back-to-back games for the first time all season.

That almost sounds silly to say, but its true.

Unfortunately, Schwellenbach reminded us all that he is human, and not only that, hes a guy that still only has 25 MLB starts under his belt.

There are going to be some growing pains from time to time, even if hes already proven to be one of the best starting pitchers in baseball.

A few two many hanging breaking balls led to a five-run fifth inning for the Blue Jays, giving them a 6-1 lead, which was more than enough against a Braves offense that continues to struggle.

Despite three home runs from Austin Riley , Matt Olson , and Ozzie Albies , Atlanta mustered just three runs off Kevin Gausman and the Toronto bullpen, in large part because the bottom half of the Braves order is essentially useless, featuring four guys that really shouldnt even be on major-league rosters, let alone starting.

However, it wasnt all bad news for the Braves on Tuesday.

Most importantly, Ronald Acuna Jr.

was cleared by doctors to further his activities and a rehab assignment appears to be around the corner.

Ronald Acuna Jr.

was cleared to ramp up activity and begin progressing toward a rehab assignment.

No timetable, but seems like hes on schedule to return at some point in the next month, as wed originally thought.

Justin Toscano (@JustinCToscano) April 15, 2025 The Braves ability to withstand the absence of Ronald Acuna Jr.

took a massive hit when Jurickson Profar was popped for PEDs after just four games with the team.

Its left the lineup in miserable shape, especially with guys like Jarred Kelenic and Bryan De La Cruz providing absolutely nothing.

Without Acuna, this isnt a .500 baseball team.

The lineup is that top-heavy, and the bullpen might be in even worse shape.

Alex Anthopoulos decision not to replace A.J.

Minter and Joe Jimenez was as boneheaded as any that hes made during his entire tenure in Atlanta, and now the Braves are scrambling for answers.

One of those could be Braves legend and nine-time All-Star Craig Kimbrel .

The 36-year-old signed a minor-league deal with the club late in the offseason and was recently added to the Braves AA affiliate , the Columbus Clingstones, where he made his season debut last night, tossing a scoreless inning with a couple of strikeouts.

Craig Kimbrel is coming off a season with the Orioles in which he posted a 5.33 ERA over 57 appearances.

So, expecting him to save the bullpen is far-fetched, but the Braves are desperate, and Kimbrel is just one year removed from recording a 3.26 ERA with the Phillies over 71 appearances on his way to All-Star honors.

This article first appeared on SportsTalkATL and was syndicated with permission..

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