The Atlanta Braves are giving some props to their iron man.
The team shared an announcement on longtime veteran Matt Olson, who hit a major milestone for consecutive games played this week. The team is looking to wrap up a critical series against NL East rival Miami Marlins, but took some time to honor Olson’s accomplishment.
Matt Olson’s Iron Man Streak Earns Praise
Following Wednesday’s game against the Marlins, the Braves took to social media to share their first baseman’s accomplishment.
“Matt Olson has now played in 896 consecutive games, passing Stan Musial for sole possession of 8th place on Major League Baseball’s all-time consecutive games played list!” the team shared in a post on X.
As reporter Mark Bowman of MLB.com noted, Olson owns the longest consecutive games streak in the majors, ahead of Baltimore Orioles slugger Pete Alonso with 523 games.
“It’s worth noting that Olson has been in the starting lineup for all but one game during this streak,” Bowman wrote. “A late-season slump led former Atlanta manager Brian Snitker to sit the slugger against the Phillies on Sept. 24, 2022. But the streak exists because Olson ended up playing first base during the final two innings of a 6-3 Braves win.”
Bowman looked ahead a bit, noting that Olson would have 944 consecutive games if he makes it to the end of this season, and would have the league’s seventh-longest streak by the end of the 2027 season.
Olson would pass Miguel Tejada if he can extend his streak into the 2028 season.
“Olson and Tejada are the only players to construct one of the 10 longest streaks this century,” Bowman wrote. “Cal Ripken Jr.’s unbreakable record of 2,632 consecutive games ended in 1999. That stood as the longest streak since Steve Garvey ended his 1,207 consecutive games streak in 1983. Garvey’s stretch was the longest since Billy Williams ended his 1,117-game streak in 1970.”
Braves Looking to Solidify Division Lead
The Braves are looking to create more space atop the NL East, having already built an 8.5-game lead over the Philadelphia Phillies. The Braves won seven straight games going into Thursday’s series finale against the Marlins.
The Braves beat the Marlins 4-1 on Wednesday, with Olson hitting third but going 0-for-4 with two strikeouts.
Despite the rough performance, Olson is in the midst of a strong season. He is hitting a slash line of 266/.343/.540 with 31 home runs and 69 RBIs in 114 games.
Braves Announce Big Matt Olson News Amid Key Series