Atlanta Braves pitcher Reynaldo Lopez was limited to one total game pitched in 2025 following an All-Star 2024 season. Lopez dealt with a shoulder injury last year, and the words "shoulder" and/or "elbow" are always scary when talking about pitchers. However, Lopez is expected to return in 2026 and he could still be impactful if injuries don't prove to be an obstacle. 

Some reports have suggested that Atlanta could consider moving Lopez to the bullpen. However, is that the best decision? Or should the Braves keep Lopez in the starting rotation?

Lopez, 32, is a veteran who has pitched at the MLB level since 2016. He has experience in both starting and bullpen roles, with 123 of his 268 career outings being starts. 

In 2024, Lopez was one of the best pitchers in MLB. The right-handed hurler turned in a stellar 1.99 ERA across 26 appearances (25 starts) in his first season with the Braves. He even finished 11th in National League Cy Young voting.

He ranked in the 99th percentile for breaking run value, 97th percentile for pitching run value and 95th percentile for fastball run value. His 27.3 percent strikeout rate was in the 80th percentile as well.

As mentioned, last year's shoulder injury may lead to some uncertainty about how he will pitch in 2026. Moving a starter to the bullpen who had an excellent season just two years ago would be a questionable move, though. 

If the Braves had five clear starting pitching options aside from Lopez then the move would be more understandable. However, there are currently only three obvious locks for the starting rotation -- Chris Sale, Spencer Schwellenbach and Spencer Strider. Hurston Waldrep may also have a rotation spot, but the Braves would benefit from having Lopez in the rotation as well.

If he struggles over the first few months of the season then the bullpen discussion would make more sense. However, the Braves should absolutely keep him in the starting rotation to begin the new campaign. It would not be surprising to see him perform well.

Even if he doesn't replicate his elite 2024 season, Lopez is a veteran who understands what it requires to help his team win games. He is a guy who is going to go out and compete every fifth day. The possibility of Lopez having another All-Star caliber season is not out of the question either, however.