Atlanta Braves manager Walt Weiss had another discouraging update on right-hander Robert Suarez.
The Atlanta Braves are running out of time to get back their dominant setup man, and the latest update on right-hander Robert Suarez is not encouraging.
The Braves signed Suarez this past offseason to a three-year deal worth $45 million running through 2028. The move was made to build a dominant one-two punch of Suarez and closer Raisel Iglesias.
Having both in the same bullpen created an embarrassment of riches, considering Suarez led the National League in saves with the San Diego Padres in 2025.
The pairing played out exactly as intended through the first few months of the season. Suarez owned a 0.56 ERA while striking out 26 hitters in 32 innings of work, posted a 0.844 WHIP and went 4-0 with four saves, stepping in whenever Iglesias was unavailable. He was as dominant as advertised.
Unfortunately, Suarez has not been available since late June. His last appearance came on June 19 against the Milwaukee Brewers, after which he experienced soreness in his right elbow and forearm.
An MRI revealed no structural damage and no issues with his UCL ligament, which was an initial relief. However, a week later he was still placed on the 15-day injured list despite the encouraging imaging results. Since then, he has made no meaningful progress toward a return.
As a relief pitcher he would not need as lengthy a buildup as a starter, but it has been nearly two months since he went down and he has yet to take any real strides toward getting back on the mound.
The Braves did not add any proven high-leverage relief arms at the trade deadline, making his return even more important for their postseason aspirations. Unfortunately, the updates continue to trend in the wrong direction.
"He's still feeling a little soreness. Walt said yesterday Suarez won't start ramping up until they are sure he is 100 percent because any setback at this point would likely mean he wouldn't have time to recover before the end of the season," wrote Mark Bowman of MLB.com.
Without Suarez, the Braves will likely have to use Iglesias for multiple innings in high-leverage playoff situations. They also have right-hander Didier Fuentes, who transitioned from starting to the bullpen this season and has thrived in that role.
However, Fuentes is just 21 years old, and the pressure of a deep postseason run could present challenges for a pitcher with his limited experience.
Suarez was supposed to be the bridge between the middle innings and Iglesias. Without him, Atlanta's bullpen depth has become a concern heading into October.
