Braves rookie JR Ritchie prepares for homecoming start against childhood team Mariners

Key facts

• JR Ritchie was drafted 35th overall by the Atlanta Braves in the first round of the 2022 MLB draft.
• Ritchie hails from Bainbridge Island, Washington, a short distance from Seattle.
• He will start against the Seattle Mariners on Monday, May 4, 2026, at 9:40 p.m. EDT.
• Ritchie has a 2.92 ERA over his first two major league starts.
• The Braves have the best record in MLB and have won eight straight series.
• Mariners pitcher Logan Gilbert holds a 4.03 ERA over 38 innings this season.
• This is the Braves' best start to a season since 1892.

A homecoming on the mound

Atlanta Braves rookie right-hander JR Ritchie will make his third major league start on Monday night, facing the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park — a ballpark just a short ferry ride from his hometown of Bainbridge Island, Washington. For Ritchie, the game carries personal significance. He grew up following the Mariners, and now he will pitch against them in front of familiar faces. The 2022 first-round draft pick told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution that he plans to stick to his routine and focus on putting his team in a position to win.

Braves riding historic start

The Braves enter the game with the best record in Major League Baseball, having just swept a road series and secured their eighth consecutive series win. Their start is the franchise's best since 1892, underscoring the team's dominance this season. Ritchie has contributed to that success with a 2.92 ERA across his first two starts, steadily developing his six-pitch arsenal. The rookie will look to continue his strong form against a Mariners lineup that has struggled to generate consistent offense.

Mariners counter with Logan Gilbert

Seattle will send right-hander Logan Gilbert to the mound. Gilbert has a 4.03 ERA over 38 innings and seven starts this season, and is seeking to rebound from a rough patch. He relies on a seven-pitch mix, led by a 95.4 mph four-seam fastball, but has struggled to effectively deploy his breaking balls. Gilbert typically pitches deep into games, but the longer he stays, the more opposing hitters adjust to his repertoire. Against a quality-contact team like the Braves, getting early strikes will be critical for him to keep the game within reach.

Ritchie's path to the majors

The Braves selected Ritchie with the 35th overall pick in the 2022 draft, two months before the team traveled to Seattle for a three-game series against the Mariners. Now, nearly four years later, he returns as a major league starter. Ritchie's rapid ascent through the Braves' system reflects his advanced pitch mix and command. His six-pitch arsenal, which includes a fastball, slider, curveball, changeup, cutter, and splitter, has allowed him to keep hitters off balance at the highest level.

Stakes and outlook

For the Braves, Monday's game is another opportunity to extend their lead in the standings. For Ritchie, it is a chance to prove he belongs on a championship-caliber team while performing in front of a supportive crowd. Gilbert, meanwhile, is under pressure to reverse his early-season struggles and help the Mariners avoid falling further behind in the competitive American League West. The contrast between a rookie riding momentum and a veteran seeking form adds an intriguing subplot to the matchup.

The bottom line

• JR Ritchie, a Bainbridge Island native, makes his third MLB start against his childhood team, the Seattle Mariners.
• The Braves have the best record in baseball and are off to their best start since 1892.
• Ritchie has a 2.92 ERA through two starts, showcasing a six-pitch arsenal.
• Mariners starter Logan Gilbert has a 4.03 ERA and is looking to bounce back from a rough start to the season.
• The game takes place Monday, May 4, 2026, at 9:40 p.m. EDT at T-Mobile Park.