Braves' MVP Candidate Drake Baldwin Hits Injured List

Written By Justin Carlucci | Published at May 19, 2026

Apr 6, 2026; Anaheim, California, USA; Atlanta Braves catcher Drake Baldwin (30) hangs on to the ball as Los Angeles Angels center fielder Jo Adell (7) is out at home on a force play in the fourth inning at Angel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

The Atlanta Braves have dealt with a wave of injuries in 2026, and the sledding just got tougher. Star catcher Drake Baldwin has been placed on the injured list with a right oblique muscle issue. MLB insider Bob Nightengale confirmed on X after the Braves posted the move Tuesday morning.

Additionally, Atlanta selected catcher Chadwick Tromp to the Major League roster to fill the vacancy. Tromp will step in behind the plate as the Braves look to tread water without their star catcher.

Reigning NL Rookie of the Year Drake Baldwin Has Oblique Injury

The timing is a tough blow for Atlanta. Baldwin, the reigning National League Rookie of the Year, has been one of the best players in baseball in his sophomore campaign. Baldwin is slashing .303 with 13 home runs, 38 RBIs, and a .931 OPS, which firmly has him in the early-season NL MVP conversation.

Oblique injuries are notoriously tricky, and the Braves will be cautious with their cornerstone catcher. Atlanta has not yet announced a timeline for Baldwin's return.

The loss of Baldwin is significant, but the Braves have shown remarkable resilience through a brutal stretch of injuries in 2026. Meanwhile, Atlanta enters Tuesday at 32-16, which is one of the best records in the National League. The Braves hold a commanding lead over the Philadelphia Phillies in the NL East, although the season is young.

The Braves will take on two NL East opponents throughout the end of the week. Atlanta continues a four-game series against the Miami Marlins on Tuesday after getting crushed 12-0 on Monday. They'll head home to close out the week with a three-game set against the Washington Nationals.