Braves' Matt Olson makes franchise history in start vs. Cardinals

Atlanta Braves first baseman Matt Olson. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Braves' Matt Olson makes franchise history in start vs. Cardinals

By Andrew Wright | Last updated Jul 10, 2026 10:46 PM ET

The days of a vast majority of MLB players suiting up for all 162 games have long been gone.

For Atlanta Braves first baseman Matt Olson, though, the challenge of playing 162 games in a season is rewarding, and it's safe to assume Olson felt rewarded Friday night when he made franchise history.

Matt Olson has played the most consecutive games in franchise history

When the first pitch of Olson's at-bat on Friday was delivered, it marked the 741st consecutive game played in a Braves uniform for Olson. He surpassed franchise legend Dale Murphy for the most consecutive games played in the history of the franchise.

Olson is also the active major league leader for most consecutive games started with 866, counting Friday night. The last time Olson was not in the starting lineup of a game was May 1, 2021, while he was still a member of the then-Oakland Athletics.

Congrats Matt https://t.co/YokVwp0rT8 pic.twitter.com/SUfIkITacy
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) July 11, 2026

How high on the all-time list can Olson climb?

Olson currently ranks No. 9 all-time in consecutive games played, and barring an injury, he'll move up to No. 8 in mid-August.

Olson would have to play nearly 11 more full seasons to surpass the record of 2,632 from Cal Ripken Jr., something that is certainly unlikely. He is, though, just 441 games from No. 3 on the all-time list, a number that seems to be well within reach if his health allows it.

If he can do so, Olson would surpass Everett Scott's 1,307 consecutive games played at some point during the 2029 season.

Andrew Wright

Andrew "Dew" Wright graduated from Charleston Southern University with a degree in Communication Studies. He is a lifelong Chicago Cubs and Washington Commanders fan.

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