Braves, Athletics Open Series in Atlanta

ATLANTA (Interstat) — The Atlanta Braves look to build on a winning start when they host the struggling Athletics in the opener of a three-game series Monday night at Truist Park.

First pitch is scheduled for 7:20 p.m. EDT under cloudy skies with a temperature around 62 degrees.

The Braves (2-1) took two of three from the Kansas City Royals to open the season but are coming off a 4-1 loss Sunday. A bright spot in the defeat was reliever Didier Fuentes, who is emerging as a key arm. The right-hander fired four innings of one-run ball, allowing two hits and striking out four. He will be a player to watch in the Braves’ bullpen.

Oakland (0-3) arrives seeking its first win after being swept in Toronto. The Athletics dropped a 5-2 decision Sunday, though reliever J.T. Ginn provided a strong performance. Ginn, a player to watch for Oakland, tossed 3 2/3 scoreless innings, allowing just one hit. Third baseman Max Muncy provided the offense with a two-run homer.

The pitching matchup features right-handers with contrasting early-season momentum. Atlanta’s Bryce Elder will make his first start of 2026 after a solid spring. He is opposed by Oakland’s Jacob Lopez, who is also making his season debut.

The Braves’ offense, which scored 12 runs in its two victories, will try to break through against an Athletics staff that has a 6.35 team ERA through three games.

According to Interstat’s game simulator, the Braves are projected to win 7-5. Atlanta has been installed as a pregame favorite with a spread of -1.5. The over/under is set at 9 runs.

Following this series, the Athletics continue a road trip with stops in Houston and New York. The Braves will embark on a seven-game West Coast trip to Arizona and Los Angeles (AL) after Wednesday’s finale.