Breaking News: Braves Confirm Blockbuster Addition for All-Star

The Braves’ pitching struggles continue, with another starter joining the injured list.

The Atlanta Braves lost another top-tier starter to injury only one day after fellow starter Max Fried was lit up in his first start since being brought off the injured list. The Braves announced on Monday via X, formerly Twitter, that All-Star starting pitcher Reynaldo Lopez had been placed on the disabled 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,” according to X.

Lopez’s placement on the IL comes a week after an injury scare against the New York Mets, which left the right-hander “day-to-day” according to Braves manager Brian Snitker.

Lopez’s injury was more serious than initially feared, and the 30-year-old starter will be placed on the 15-day injured list until his forearm is ready to return. Lopez might return as soon as August 17 if his arm recovers properly.

Prior to his injury, Lopez was a workhorse for the Braves, with an amazing 2.06 ERA and 7-4 record, 102 strikeouts and 37 walks in 104.2 innings worked. Lopez has established himself as a staple in the Braves rotation, which has already lost ace Spencer Strider for the season due to a UCL injury.

In the interim, the Bravos will have to rely on rising prospect Bryce Elder to fill the void.

 

Reynaldo Lopez injury opens door for Braves arm Bryce Elder

Without starting pitcher Reynaldo Lopez, the Braves rotation is once again available for prospect Bryce Elder, who has alternated between AAA Gwinnett and Atlanta.

Elder, who debuted in 2022, was a regular starter in the Braves’ 2023 rotation. Elder had a 12-4 record, a 3.81 ERA, and 128 strikeouts in 174.2 innings thrown. He was also named an All-Star.

This year, however, the 25-year-old right-hander has had a different experience.