Two weeks into the season the Atlanta Braves are who we thought they were.

They have proven to be able to outhit any team in baseball. The Braves showed that with thumpings of the Phillies and White Sox in the first week of the season.

They will win a bunch of games away from home. Atlanta won two of three games to open the season at hated rival Philadelphia.

They will out-pitch a few teams, both at the start of the game and at the end. Chris Sale has been solid through two starts with a 3.38 ERA. Jesse Chavez has been strong again in long relief, allowing one run in 6.1 innings so far.

What the reigning National League East champions did not count on, however, were two quick injuries to two All-Stars from last year.

Let’s start with ace pitcher Spencer Strider. Unfortunately, he lasted just two starts before an elbow injury led to the injured list and a season that could be over before it even started, as Tommy John surgery looms. It would be an absolute shame for last year’s strikeout leader and contender for this year’s National League Cy Young Award.

If Strider’s season-long absence is eventually realized, the Braves have options that are ready to make their season debuts. They will need to bank on Bryce Elder regaining his All-Star form. They will probably need Thomasville native Hurston Waldrep to accelerate his ascension to the Major Leagues. and let’s not forget about AJ Smith-Shawver, who flashed moments of greatness last season, allowing just a .183 batting average in 25.1 innings.

The Braves have options long-term, but let’s not undersell how much this is a blow to the team. The starting rotation is a major concern now. Strider is hurt, and there’s no guarantee that Sale will hold up over the course of a long season, not to mention ageless wonder Charlie Morton.

The lineup was also dealt an early blow when catcher Sean Murphy suffered an oblique strain on opening day. The Braves have a more-than-capable backup in Travis d’Arnaud, which is encouraging. He has hit 45 home runs since joining the Braves in 2020.

As of now, the team is still formidable but having your starting battery sidelined by the second week of the season is a tough pill to swallow. The Braves still have their bats to count on, and they will be counted on now more than ever.