The Atlanta Braves got an update on injured right-hander Reynaldo Lopez.
The Atlanta Braves are still trying to figure out their starting rotation as October approaches. The team has several options fighting for spots behind left-handed ace Chris Sale. Bryce Elder, Martin Perez, Grant Holmes and Tyler Mahle are all competing to prove they deserve a nod in a playoff series rather than being shifted to the bullpen.
One more name will soon be entering the mix. Right-hander Reynaldo Lopez has been sidelined since August 1 with left knee inflammation.
He was scheduled to start the day before against the Washington Nationals but was scratched. Fortunately, an MRI revealed no structural damage and since then he has continued to pitch and throw bullpen sessions.
He has made enough progress that he is ready to return to game action. "Reynaldo López will begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Gwinnett on Sunday," reported Chad Bishop of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Lopez should not spend too much time on the rehab assignment considering he has missed only a matter of weeks, and he will likely use the stint to build his workload back up before re-entering the starting rotation.
Given how little time remains in the regular season, he will do his best to prove he belongs in the starting mix, though he has plenty of bullpen experience and could be one of the first options moved back to relief if the rotation picture shakes out that way.
Lopez actually began this season in the starting rotation but was later shifted to the bullpen in April. He entered 2026 coming off major surgery on his right shoulder that forced him to miss most of 2025.
His best year in MLB came in 2024 when he was one of the most dominant pitchers in baseball, posting a 1.99 ERA across 26 appearances with 148 strikeouts in 135 2/3 innings of work.
However, after surgery his velocity dropped off a bit, which led to his momentary bullpen role this year.
With Spencer Strider down and other rotation options underperforming, Lopez was reinserted into the starting rotation back in June and has been solid, posting a 3.64 ERA across 71 2/3 innings.
His command has been inconsistent at times, but he does not have a large workload this year, which could make him an intriguing candidate to draw a postseason start.
Manager Walt Weiss will have options based on matchups, and seeing Lopez take this step forward only adds to the depth Atlanta has available heading into October.
