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The Atlanta Braves starting rotation lost one of its best options earlier this June when right-hander Spencer Strider went down with a right arm injury. He has been shut down for the next four weeks. Now, the team is searching for a stable answer to replace him as they try to hold their ground on top of the National League East.
Since Strider’s injury, the Braves have turned to right-hander JR Ritchie to fill the void. The 22-year-old rookie and top pitching prospect has shown flashes of his potential at the big-league level.
However, his last outing was rough. He allowed five runs on five hits with three walks in a loss to the San Francisco Giants. The inconsistency is understandable for a young pitcher, yet it leaves Atlanta with a difficult question about whether he is ready to hold down a rotation spot for a contending team.
Another option may be sitting right in front of them in Reynaldo Lopez. Lopez started 25 games for the Braves in 2024 (his first year with the organization) and delivered a breakout season, earning his first career All-Star selection and posting an ERA under 2.00.
He went 8-5 and struck out 148 hitters in 135 2/3 innings, finishing 11th in National League Cy Young Award voting. He did not throw enough innings to fully enter the race, yet it was still impressive.
Unfortunately, Lopez missed most of the 2025 season after undergoing right shoulder surgery. When he returned in 2026, he made five starts, but it quickly became clear he was not the same pitcher.
The Braves moved him to the bullpen to figure it out, though they left the door open for a potential return to the rotation if needed. That return could come now if Atlanta prefers a veteran presence over relying solely on its younger arms.
Lopez has certainly made his case. He has been one of Atlanta’s best relievers since the move, posting a 3.27 ERA with a 2-0 record and 19 strikeouts in 22 innings out of the bullpen. On Sunday against the Milwaukee Brewers, Lopez delivered another solid outing, allowing just one run across three innings of work.
He would likely need a couple of starts to build his workload back up, but the Braves could use a dependable option who has already proven he can handle innings. Lopez has shown enough this year to suggest that the dominant version of himself from two seasons ago is still in there.
The Braves have a tough call to make for the fifth rotation spot, and Lopez could be the answer.
Continue reading...
Since Strider’s injury, the Braves have turned to right-hander JR Ritchie to fill the void. The 22-year-old rookie and top pitching prospect has shown flashes of his potential at the big-league level.
However, his last outing was rough. He allowed five runs on five hits with three walks in a loss to the San Francisco Giants. The inconsistency is understandable for a young pitcher, yet it leaves Atlanta with a difficult question about whether he is ready to hold down a rotation spot for a contending team.
Another option may be sitting right in front of them in Reynaldo Lopez. Lopez started 25 games for the Braves in 2024 (his first year with the organization) and delivered a breakout season, earning his first career All-Star selection and posting an ERA under 2.00.
He went 8-5 and struck out 148 hitters in 135 2/3 innings, finishing 11th in National League Cy Young Award voting. He did not throw enough innings to fully enter the race, yet it was still impressive.
Unfortunately, Lopez missed most of the 2025 season after undergoing right shoulder surgery. When he returned in 2026, he made five starts, but it quickly became clear he was not the same pitcher.
The Braves moved him to the bullpen to figure it out, though they left the door open for a potential return to the rotation if needed. That return could come now if Atlanta prefers a veteran presence over relying solely on its younger arms.
Lopez has certainly made his case. He has been one of Atlanta’s best relievers since the move, posting a 3.27 ERA with a 2-0 record and 19 strikeouts in 22 innings out of the bullpen. On Sunday against the Milwaukee Brewers, Lopez delivered another solid outing, allowing just one run across three innings of work.
He would likely need a couple of starts to build his workload back up, but the Braves could use a dependable option who has already proven he can handle innings. Lopez has shown enough this year to suggest that the dominant version of himself from two seasons ago is still in there.
The Braves have a tough call to make for the fifth rotation spot, and Lopez could be the answer.
Continue reading...
