Bainbridge’s Ritchie Expected to Face Mariners in Seattle May 4

This blog post takes a look at JR Ritchie‘s upcoming third major league start for the Atlanta Braves. This time, he’ll be facing the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park.

We’re tracing his journey from Bainbridge High School to the big leagues. There’s also a bit about his first MLB moments, and a thought or two on why pitching in his hometown might give him a little extra spark—especially against a team he grew up rooting for.

Ritchie’s path from Bainbridge to the Braves’ rotation

Back in high school, JR Ritchie was already making waves as a pitcher at Bainbridge High School. He became a top Braves prospect after his senior year, when he went 7-0, gave up only two earned runs in 35 1/3 innings, and racked up 74 strikeouts with just four walks.

The Braves picked him 35th overall in the 2022 draft. Things didn’t go perfectly smooth—he had to deal with a major setback: Tommy John surgery in 2023.

That surgery meant 14 months of recovery. Ritchie worked his way back through Single-A, Double-A, and then five Triple-A starts with Gwinnett before the Braves finally called him up.

• Draft position: 2022, 35th overall pick by the Braves
• High school standout: Bainbridge High School, Seattle area
• Senior numbers: 7-0, 2 earned runs in 35 1/3 innings, 74 strikeouts, 4 walks
• Injury/rehab: Tommy John surgery in 2023, 14-month recovery
• Minor-league path: progression through Single-A, Double-A, and five Triple-A starts with Gwinnett

Early MLB moments and numbers

Ritchie made his big league debut against the Washington Nationals on April 23. He picked up a win to kick off his MLB career.

He took the mound again for a second start against the Detroit Tigers. This time, he threw 5.1 innings and tossed 97 pitches.

He allowed three runs (two earned) on five hits, walked four, and struck out four. The Braves trailed 3-2 when he left the game.

So far, through two starts, Ritchie holds a 2.92 ERA. He’s allowed five runs (four earned) over 12.1 innings, with 11 strikeouts and six walks.

Atlanta has won both games he’s pitched. Not a bad way to start.

Facing the Mariners adds a personal twist. It’s his first trip back to Seattle since his climb through the minors. And let’s be honest, pitching against the team you cheered for as a kid? That’s something special.

Family and friends will be there, too. His dad, Ian, even grabbed a suite for the night.

Seattle will send Logan Gilbert to the mound. That left-right matchup could be a real test for Ritchie’s growing pitch mix, and the road crowd won’t exactly make it easier.

A hometown moment in a cross-country matchup

For Ritchie, getting to pitch in Seattle against the team he followed as a kid just means more. The atmosphere at T-Mobile Park might give him a little extra edge.

He’ll want to keep this early momentum going and show he belongs in Atlanta’s rotation. Gilbert’s one of the Mariners’ toughest arms, but if Ritchie commands his fastball and keeps mixing in those secondary pitches, maybe he can keep Seattle guessing and help the Braves snag another win.

What this start could mean for Braves and Ritchie’s ceiling

This game feels like a big checkpoint for Ritchie in his first full season after surgery. The main stories to watch here:

• Continuing development of his fastball command and secondary pitches, especially under real-game pressure.
• Trying to become a reliable fourth or fifth starter in the Braves’ rotation this season.
• Gaining enough confidence to pitch deeper into the year—and maybe even shake up the bullpen plans if Atlanta needs extra arms.
• Giving Braves fans a personal reason to root for him, especially those who remember his Bainbridge roots and Seattle connections.

As JR Ritchie faces the Mariners, this outing could do more than just add innings. Maybe it shows off his ceiling as a modern Braves pitcher—someone with grit and raw talent, which honestly, fans in both Atlanta and Seattle can appreciate.

For now, it’s all about command, confidence, and whatever comes next. Who knows? The next start might be the one where a young arm finally finds its place in the big leagues.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Bainbridge’s Ritchie expected to face Mariners in Seattle on May 4