The Atlanta Braves are awaiting the return of set-up man Robert Suarez.
The Atlanta Braves impressively swept the reigning World Series champions Los Angeles Dodgers over three games this week. They will look to carry that momentum into Friday's series opener against another National League West team in the Colorado Rockies.
Atlanta's bullpen was on full display during the first two games of the Dodgers series frequently shutting down top hitters. Left-hander Chris Sale tossed a complete game shutout in the finale.
That group could potentially become much stronger in September as the Braves continue to await the return of set-up man Robert Suarez.
This is Suarez's first season with the Braves after signing this past offseason on a three-year, $45 million deal. When the news broke that he was joining Atlanta it did not make sense on paper given the Braves had already re-signed closer Raisel Iglesias.
However, the reasoning becomes clear looking beyond the surface. Iglesias only signed to a one-year deal, and with Suarez locked in for three years he could potentially give Atlanta an option beyond 2026 if Iglesias signs elsewhere or retires.
It also made sense because it gave the Braves a lethal one-two punch, considering Suarez led the National League in saves with the San Diego Padres in 2025.
For the first several weeks of the season that was exactly the case. When healthy this year, Suarez posted a 0.56 ERA while picking up four saves and four wins.
The problem is he has not pitched since June after experiencing right elbow and forearm inflammation. There was no structural damage found, but he has made minimal progress since then, only throwing from flat ground as he slowly builds back up toward game action.
Finally, Suarez is taking a meaningful step forward. "Braves Robert Suarez was just going through some mechanical drills on the mound after his flat ground throwing, but he should throw a bullpen early next week per Walt Weiss," reported Grant McAuley on X.
Suarez will likely need to log a few bullpen sessions pain-free before the Braves consider sending him on a rehab assignment. With limited time remaining in the regular season there is still no guarantee he returns before October, but that may not matter.
Atlanta is going to make the playoffs regardless, and having Suarez available in any capacity makes their bullpen considerably more dangerous heading into what they hope is a deep postseason run. The Braves swept the best team in baseball this week without him. Getting him back would make them even scarier. Weiss will likely provide another update once Suarez officially completes his first bullpen.
