Baldwin blasts – Drake Baldwin is back in Atlanta’s starting lineup for Tuesday night’s series opener against the Giants after returning from a right oblique strain. In his first at-bat since May 18, he hit a 473-foot leadoff home run—the longest in MLB this season—giving the
ATLANTA — Drake Baldwin walked back into the Braves’ starting lineup for Tuesday night’s series opener against the Giants at Truist Park, and the message arrived immediately.
In his first game since May 18, Baldwin started the night with a leadoff home run on his first at-bat back. The ball carried 473 feet to center field, marking the longest home run in the Majors this season.
Baldwin’s return came after a right oblique strain sidelined him. He was activated from the 10-day injured list on Monday afternoon—just a couple of hours after the first 2026 KONAMI eBaseball All-Star Ballot update showed him leading among National League catchers.
To make room for him, the Braves outrighted Austin Wynns to Triple-A Gwinnett. With that roster spot created, Baldwin will resume his role as Atlanta’s primary catcher, with Sandy León serving as his backup.
When he isn’t catching, Baldwin also serves as the designated hitter. His production has already been strong even before this comeback swing: he’s hitting .303 with 13 homers and a .932 OPS.
The timing matters for Atlanta. The Braves have lost four of their last five games. and that slide picked up another injury concern during the stretch: Ronald Acuña Jr. suffered a hamstring strain during the first of those five games. Baldwin’s sudden return with the season’s longest blast offers a jolt at a moment when the team has been looking for one.
Drake Baldwin Braves Giants Truist Park longest home run in MLB this season 473 feet right oblique strain 10-day injured list Austin Wynns Sandy León Ronald Acuña Jr. hamstring strain KONAMI eBaseball All-Star Ballot