Braves MVP candidate Drake Baldwin lands on injured list

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Braves MVP candidate Drake Baldwin lands on injured list

Originally posted on Ball Exclusives | By James Parker | Last updated May 19, 2026 2:23 PM ET

The last 24 hours have not been pretty for the Atlanta Braves, who have now placed superstar catcher Drake Baldwin on the injured list with a right oblique strain. Most notably, they did not provide a timeline for his return.

The #Braves today selected C Chadwick Tromp to the major league roster and placed C Drake Baldwin on the 10-day injured list with a strained right oblique muscle. Atlanta also returned LHP Dylan Dodd from his rehabilitation assignment and reinstated him from the injured list…

— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) May 19, 2026

He was sent to the IL as part of a sweeping move that included a pitching overhaul. Catcher Chadwick Tromp was also called up to the majors, presumably to take Baldwin’s place.

Tuesday’s news is especially damaging to the Braves as Baldwin has been terrific at the plate all season after taking home the 2025 National League Rookie of the Year.

He’s currently batting .303/.389/.543 to go along with 13 home runs, 39 runs scored and 38 RBIs. His absence will hurt the Braves on both sides of the ball.

Veteran Sean Murphy is already out with a finger injury, so Atlanta’s catching situation just got very tricky.

Ronald Acuna Jr. returning to the lineup may limit the damage the Braves’ offense takes, but Baldwin’s injury could not have come at a worse time in the regular season.

This article first appeared on Ball Exclusives and was syndicated with permission.

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