2026 MLB schedule released: Braves start at Truist Park

The Atlanta Braves will close out a long road trip in Chicago next week. They have been away from Truist Park for the past seven days, having played a three-game series in Miami against the Marlins and a four-game series in Philadelphia against the first-place National League East Phillies. 

On Monday, Sept. 1, the Chicago Cubs will host the Braves for a three-game series. The two teams will meet again the following week when the Cubs will be in Atlanta for a three-game series beginning on Sept. 8. 

Coming Home

The Braves have not played well on the road this season. Currently more than 10 games under .500 on the road, but Atlanta finished their latest homestand – a series loss to the New York Mets- with a 33-33 record at Truist Park. With 15 more home games remaining in the season, there is a chance the Braves can finish the 2025 season above the .500 mark at home. The franchise has frequently done this for the past three decades, including the 1995 World Series championship season, which was honored during last Friday’s game against the Mets. 

A nine-game homestand featuring the Seattle Mariners (Sept. 5-7), Cubs (Sept. 8-10), and the Houston Astros (Sept. 12-14) will be up next. All three opponents are in the hunt for postseason spots, so the Braves will have an opportunity to play spoiler in the American League, where Houston and Seattle are currently in first and second place in the American League West. The Cubs and former Braves shortstop Dansby Swanson are behind the first Milwaukee Brewers as of this Friday. 

Bright Future

As of last week, Braves right-hander Hurston Waldrep was giving the Braves front office and fan base something to look forward to for next season. Through four starts this season, Waldrep has displayed the poise of a veteran.

On Tuesday, Aug. 26, Waldrep’s most recent start, which took place in Miami against the Marlins, he had what can be considered his worst start of the season. In 5.1 innings, Waldrep gave up an earned run and eight hits without striking out a Marlins batter. He left the game with the Braves ahead 2-1 with one out. Miami would tie the game an inning later, and Waldrep would not earn his fifth victory of the season. Atlanta would score nine runs in the ninth inning to win the game 11-2.

See You Next Year

Major League Baseball released the 2026 schedules on Tuesday. The Braves will open the season at Truist Park instead of with seven straight games on the West Coast, like they did this season.

The Kansas City Royals and the (Sacramento/Las Vegas?) A’s will be the first two opponents of the 2026 season. Atlanta will then travel out west to play four games in Arizona, followed by three in Los Angeles against the Angels. Here’s to hoping former Braves coach Ron Washington will be in the dugout when they arrive. 

Washington is recovering from triple bypass surgery. Washington took over as Angels manager following the Braves’ World Series championship victory over the Houston Astros in 2021. 

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