Braves' Weiss Sparks Turnaround, Retaliates

0:00On April 21st, the Atlanta Brays are on fire early in the 2026 season, bouncing back strong from a rough 76 and 86. Finish last year, then knock them out of the playoffs for the first time in seven seasons. They're led by new manager Walt Weiss, their longtime bench coach who's stepping up to harness this talented lineup when everyone's healthy. Weiss, who 61, brings experience from managing the Colorado Rockies back in 2013 to 2016, where he posted a 200, 83 and 365 record. The Brays hired him this offseason hoping he'll spark that turnaround, and so far the team showing real promise on the field. Tensions board over Monday against the Washington Nationals when star outfielder Ronald Akuna Jr. got hit by a pitch not once, but twice in the same game. He left without chatting with reporters, but word is he could be back in the lineup tomorrow, nothing too serious. Right after Atlanta rallied for five runs in the top of the six to take a big lead,

1:00pitcher Bryce Elder plunked Nationals young gun CJ Abrams on the backside in his next at bat. It was a clear message from Weiss, backing his guys and drawing a line. No one's going to mess with the braves. This old school retaliation fits Weiss' vibe of building a tough, no bullying clubhouse that plays with edge every night, setting the tone as they push deeper into the season. Team coverage, powered by AI. This is Washington Nationals News today.