The Atlanta Braves were expecting good news on the injury front, and they may have received it on Monday.
The Atlanta Braves get a big break in terms of health. According to Justin Toscano of the AJC, All-Star starter Reynaldo Lopez’s MRI came back clear.
“Reynaldo López’s MRI was clean,” Toscano reported on X. “He is day-to-day. The Braves have not even placed him on the injured list. Brian Snitker stated he doesn’t think the Braves would even shut him down.
So, Lopez appears to be on track to make his next scheduled start, or at least miss a turn in the rotation without missing too much time.
The news took far longer than expected to arrive, but now everyone can breathe easier.
With all of the Braves’ ailments, especially in the last week, this is a huge relief. They won’t have to rush to make decisions before the trade deadline or worry about who is available in Triple-A at the right moment to take his spot on the mound.
This does not rule out a move at the deadline; they may still be hunting for an arm, after all. Rather of replacing a vital arm, the addition would strengthen the rotation.
So they have positive news on Lopez, as well as recent word that Max Fried, who is eligible for activation on Friday, may return soon.
Barring an addition before the deadline, the rotation should look like this when everyone is back and healthy:
- Max Fried
- Chris Sale
- Reynaldo Lopez
- Charlie Morton
- Spencer Schwellenbach
Elder Potential Starter for Tuesday
Bryce Elder, the Braves pitcher, appears to be the starting for Tuesday’s game against the Milwaukee Brewers.
Elder was allegedly working in the outfield before Monday night’s game.
He was expected to pitch for Triple-A Gwinnett on Sunday. However, he was scratched, fueling suspicion that he will return to Atlanta to help the injured rotation.
