Braves Announce Drake Baldwin Update Before Mets Series
Positive news surrounding Atlanta Braves' catcher Drake Baldwin was announced on Thursday before the start of their series against the New York Mets.
Baldwin has been on the 10-day injured list for Atlanta since May 19 with a strained right oblique muscle, he has missed 20 games thus far.
Before his injury, Baldwin was the front-runner for the National League All-Star starting catcher. He was crushing, posting a slash line of .303/.389/.543 with 13 home runs and 38 RBIs.
It was announced on Thursday that the 25-year-old will begin his minor league rehab assignment on Saturday with Triple-A Gwinnett. He could be back with the major league team as soon as Tuesday, June 16.
#Braves C Drake Baldwin will begin his rehab assignment with Triple-A Gwinnett on Saturday. If all goes well, he could be activated from the 10-day IL as soon as Tuesday.
— Grant McAuley (@grantmcauley) June 12, 2026
The 2025 National League Rookie of the Year winner resumed baseball activities earlier this week by taking live batting practice and catching bullpen sessions.
The Atlanta catching position has struggled mightily offensively in Baldwin's absence. Currently filling in the catching duties have been 14-year veteran Sandy León and Austin Wynns.
While solidly stabilizing the defense behind the plate, both are hitting under .100 while having OPS's under .220 each. The team desperately needs Baldwin back to keep their lineup deep.
However, during his 20 missed games, Atlanta has kept on rolling to hold the best record in baseball. In those 20 games, the Braves have a 13-7 record.
Their offense is one of the best units in baseball, holding the third-best OPS in the league at .761. With Baldwin likely returning within the week, the best team in baseball will almost be at full strength.
It is great timing for the update on Baldwin's rehab with the disappointing news about former MVP Ronald Acuña Jr. Soon following a great offensive stretch from Acuña, the 28-year-old was placed back on the 10-day injured list for the second time with season with his second strained left hamstring. Since this is the second time he is dealing with this injury, the Braves will likely want to move slowly with Acuña, meaning Baldwin filling in would be great.
This year, like many years past for the Braves, they are struggling with injuries. But unlike the previous two seasons, they are not letting those injuries define the team they are.
The Braves sit at the top of baseball and atop the National League East division. While their rival Philadelphia Phillies have had a great resurgence, the Braves have kept their foot on the gas to hold an eight game lead against them.
More updates will come on Baldwin as he starts his rehab assignment and makes his way back to the major league team.
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This story was originally published June 12, 2026 at 11:04 AM.