Drake Baldwin is finally on the verge of stepping back behind the plate for Atlanta. The reigning National League Rookie of the Year, sidelined since late May with an oblique injury, is set to begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Gwinnett on Saturday, according to Braves reporter Grant McAuley. If everything goes smoothly, Baldwin could be activated from the 10-day injured list as soon as Tuesday.
That timeline would put him back in the Braves lineup for their series against the St. Louis Cardinals — a critical stretch for a club that already owns the best record in baseball at 45-23.
Why His Return Matters
Baldwin wasn’t just good last year. He was historically good for a rookie catcher, slashing .303/.389/.543 over 48 games to open the 2026 season, with 13 homers and six doubles. Those numbers actually improved on his 2025 Rookie of the Year campaign, suggesting the 24-year-old is evolving into one of the league’s elite two-way catchers.
His absence forced Atlanta to lean on backup options behind the dish, but the Braves have held steady — a testament to their depth. Still, no one in the organization is pretending the offense doesn’t get a significant jolt once Baldwin is cleared to catch and hit without restrictions.
“He’s feeling good, he’s been swinging, and the medical staff is encouraged by the progress,” McAuley reported. No official confirmation has come from the team yet, but the rehab assignment signals that Baldwin’s recovery is entering its final phase.
The Bigger Picture
Atlanta leads the majors in wins, but the Los Angeles Dodgers (44-25) are breathing down their necks. Both teams have separated themselves from the rest of the league, and home-field advantage through the playoffs could come down to who stays healthiest down the stretch. Getting Baldwin back earlier rather than later gives the Braves an edge in that arms race.
For now, the immediate focus is on Friday night’s matchup against the New York Mets at Citi Field. First pitch is set for 7:15 PM EST. But beyond the game, all eyes are on Gwinnett — where one of the most impactful catchers in baseball is about to take one final step toward his return.
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