A day after Max Fried struggled in his first start since returning from the injured list, the Atlanta Braves faced another setback, losing another top starter to injury. On Monday, the Braves announced via X (formerly Twitter) that All-Star pitcher Reynaldo Lopez has been placed on the injured list.
“The #Braves today recalled RHP Bryce Elder to Atlanta and placed RHP Reynaldo López on the 15-day injured list, backdated to August 2, with right forearm inflammation,” the Braves’ post on X read.
Lopez’s placement on the IL follows a week after an injury scare during a game against the New York Mets. Initially described as “day-to-day” by Braves manager Brian Snitker, the injury turned out to be more severe, necessitating a 15-day IL stint. If his recovery progresses well, Lopez could return by August 17.
Before his injury, Lopez had been a reliable force for the Braves, boasting a 2.06 ERA and a 7-4 record with 102 strikeouts and just 37 walks over 104.2 innings. His performance solidified his role in a Braves rotation already weakened by the season-ending UCL injury to ace Spencer Strider.
In Lopez’s absence, the Braves will turn to young prospect Bryce Elder to fill the gap in the rotation. This opportunity could be crucial for Elder as he steps in to help maintain the Braves’ strong pitching performance during Lopez’s recovery.