Trending Now - Rising Star JR Ritchie Gains Support From Cy Young Champion

WHO:

Razzball - JR Ritchie is a rookie pitcher for the Atlanta Braves.

MLB.com - Chris Sale, a Cy Young winner and Braves ace, is a fan of JR Ritchie.

MLB.com - Walt Weiss is the manager of the Atlanta Braves.

WHAT:

Razzball - JR Ritchie entered the season ranked as a top 100 prospect.

MLB.com - Ritchie has made two starts in the majors.

MLB.com - Ritchie allowed just one run over seven innings in his second start.

MLB.com - Ritchie minimized damage and allowed two runs over 5 1/3 innings in a game against the Tigers.

MLB.com - Bryce Elder finished 2025 with a promising month and ranks among MLB's top 10 ERAs.

MLB.com - Elder ranks sixth among qualified MLB starters with a 1.88 ERA.

WHERE:

MLB.com - Ritchie's next start is against the Mariners at T-Mobile Park.

MLB.com - Ritchie is a Seattle-area native and visited T-Mobile Park as recently as October.

WHEN:

MLB.com - Ritchie was among those who stayed until the end of Seattle’s 15-inning win over the Tigers in Game 5 of the American League Division Series in October.

MLB.com - Raisel Iglesias is expected to be activated from the injured list on Tuesday.

WHY:

MLB.com - Chris Sale has been talking about Ritchie since last summer, indicating his belief in Ritchie's potential.

MLB.com - Walt Weiss stated that young pitchers who perform well should not be discarded.

HOW:

MLB.com - Ritchie has shown maturity and poise, proving he can handle himself in the Majors.

MLB.com - Ritchie has been learning from Chris Sale and other Braves veterans.

(UPDATED May 1, 2026 23:17 UTC)

JR Ritchie, a rookie pitcher for the Atlanta Braves, has made a strong impression in his first two major league starts, allowing just one run over seven innings in his most recent outing. The young talent, who entered the season ranked as a top 100 prospect, is set to face the Mariners at T-Mobile Park, a venue he knows well as a Seattle-area native. With support from Braves manager Walt Weiss and ace Chris Sale, who has been a vocal advocate for Ritchie's potential, the rookie is proving he can handle the pressures of the big leagues.