The Atlanta Braves Starting Where Their 2024 Season Ended
The Atlanta Braves will start their 2025 season at Petco Park after finishing their controversial 2024 season in San Diego. To begin their season, the Braves will play a four-game series against the San Diego Padres in beautiful San Diego. Since the Braves practically snuck into the postseason last year, this is their method of taking a hollow revenge. The Padres not only eliminated Atlanta with a two-game sweep in the Wild Card Series, but they also won the regular season series 4-3. Thus, Chris Sale couldn't pitch in either of the two Wild Card games, he is now fit and prepared for this series.
Sale will start for the Braves against the San Diego Padres on Opening Day for the sixth time in his career, the first since 2019. Sale put up a fantastic showing in his first season with Atlanta, finishing with 18 wins, three losses, an ERA of 2.38, and 225 strikeouts overall in 2024. He has a lot under his belt, with of the things being a seven-time MLB All-Star. Sale's unique pitching style, which is distinguished by a sidearm delivery and remarkable strikeout ability, has defined his career. His successful comeback with the Braves highlights his tenacity and commitment to the game, even if he had injuries in prior seasons.
For Jurickson Profar, this also acts as his "return" to Petco Park. Since this is the first game of the season, it's difficult to call it a return, but the important thing is that Profar will now have a chance to show the Padres what they're missing out on since signing with the Braves back in January to a $42 million, three-year deal. Profar reached career highs in 2024 with the Padres, hitting .280, hitting 24 home runs, and dishing out 85 RBIs. He received a Silver Slugger Award and his first All-Star selection for his exceptional play. The Braves' outfield should be strengthened by his presence, particularly as Ronald Acuña Jr. recovers from an ACL injury. Profar's transformation from a top prospect to a vital member of the Braves highlights his versatility and resilience in the game of professional baseball.
