Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Atlanta Braves: Game Preview, Odds, and Pitching Matchup for September 26, 2025

Friday, September 26th, 2025

Pittsburgh Pirates at Atlanta Braves: Preview and Key Matchups (September 26, 2025)

The Atlanta Braves and Pittsburgh Pirates are set to open a three-game Major League Baseball series on Friday evening at Truist Park. The Braves hold a 75-84 overall record (38-40 at home), while the Pirates arrive with a 69-90 mark (25-53 on the road). Both teams are looking to finish their seasons strong and set the tone for the next campaign.

Pitching Probables

On the mound for the Pirates will be Mitch Keller (6-15, 4.22 ERA, 1.24 WHIP, 144 strikeouts). For the Braves, Joey Wentz (5-6, 5.46 ERA, 1.52 WHIP, 89 strikeouts) will take the ball. Keller looks to give the Pirates a solid start against a Braves lineup known for its on-base capabilities, while Wentz aims to contain Pittsburgh’s hitters and help the Braves secure a game one victory.

Team Overview

The Braves boast the sixth-best on-base percentage in the National League at .321, a testament to their patient and effective approach at the plate. Pittsburgh, meanwhile, has found success in games where they’ve outhit their opponents; they are 49-16 in such contests. This Friday’s game marks the fourth meeting between the teams this season.

Top Performers to Watch

Atlanta Braves

Matt Olson continues to power the Braves’ offense with 40 doubles, two triples, 28 home runs, and 93 RBI. Drake Baldwin has been on a tear recently, going 15-for-41 with three doubles, a triple, four home runs, and 15 RBI over his last 10 games.

Pittsburgh Pirates

Bryan Reynolds has tallied 37 doubles, three triples, 16 home runs, and 73 RBI for the Pirates. Joey Bart has contributed timely hitting as well with six hits in his last 19 at-bats, including a double, two home runs, and seven RBI.

Recent Performance

The Braves are coming off an impressive 9-1 stretch, batting .296 as a team and posting an excellent 2.87 ERA during that span. They have outscored their opponents by 41 runs in their last 10 games. The Pirates, meanwhile, are 4-6 in their last 10 but have maintained a solid team ERA of 2.60, narrowly outscoring opponents by two runs.

Injuries

Atlanta Braves

The Braves will be without several key players, including Ozzie Albies (10-Day IL, arm), Vidal Brujan (day-to-day, hip), Daysbel Hernandez (60-Day IL, shoulder), Jake Fraley (60-Day IL, oblique), Aaron Bummer (60-Day IL, shoulder), Sean Murphy (60-Day IL, hip), Austin Riley (60-Day IL, abdominal), Grant Holmes (60-Day IL, elbow), Spencer Schwellenbach (60-Day IL, elbow), AJ Smith-Shawver (60-Day IL, calf/elbow), Reynaldo Lopez (60-Day IL, shoulder), and Joe Jimenez (60-Day IL, knee).

Pittsburgh Pirates

For the Pirates, Oneil Cruz is listed as day-to-day with an ankle issue, while Ronny Simon (shoulder), Endy Rodriguez (elbow), Enmanuel Valdez (shoulder), and Jared Jones (elbow) remain on the 60-Day injured list.

Weather

At Truist Park today, expect pleasant baseball weather with temperatures around the mid-70s under mostly clear skies. There’s little to no chance of precipitation, and winds will be light, making for ideal playing conditions. Enjoy the game!

In summary

Friday's matchup between the Pittsburgh Pirates and Atlanta Braves will feature two teams striving to finish their seasons on a high note. With solid pitching matchups and outstanding offensive performers on both sides, fans can look forward to an entertaining game at Truist Park. The ideal weather conditions only add to the anticipation for this important late-season clash.

Related Links

• Pittsburgh Pirates News & Updates
• Pittsburgh Pirates Schedule & Scores
• Atlanta Braves News & Updates
• Atlanta Braves Schedule & Scores
• MLB News