The Atlanta Braves are comfortably positioned in the NL Wild Card race, but the season has been anything but smooth. In 2023, they were celebrated as one of the best offensive teams in league history. Now, plagued by injuries and slumps, it’s challenging for Atlanta to close the significant gap with the Philadelphia Phillies, who are in first place.
While first place isn’t everything in the grand scheme, as recent No. 1 seeds have struggled to win the World Series, building positive momentum for the playoffs is crucial. Currently, the Braves lack that momentum.
Alex Anthopoulos, one of the busiest GMs in the league ahead of Tuesday’s trade deadline, faces numerous challenges. Injuries have repeatedly struck the team, weakening their depth and turning a once formidable offense into an average one.
Spencer Strider and Ronald Acuña Jr., Atlanta’s top players by many metrics, are both out for the season. Additionally, Ozzie Albies is sidelined for several weeks, creating a significant gap in the middle infield.
On Sunday, June 28, Atlanta had another injury scare when Reynaldo Lopez, fresh off his first All-Star appearance, left in the third inning due to “forearm tightness.” This term often signals trouble for pitchers, causing concern among Braves fans.
Fortunately, a day later, there is a positive update on Lopez’s condition.
Reynaldo López MRI came back clean and he’s day-to-day, #Braves hoping they don’t even have to put him on the injured list.
— David O'Brien (@DOBrienATL) July 29, 2024
**Braves Avoid Serious Injury with Reynaldo Lopez**
Lopez has been a crucial player for the Braves this season. Prior to signing with Atlanta, Lopez hadn’t started more than one game in a season since 2021 when he started nine of 20 appearances for the Chicago White Sox. The Braves signed him to a modest one-year deal, allowing him to compete for a rotation spot with no guarantees.
Lopez not only secured a spot in the rotation but is also having his best season at age 30. Through 19 starts and 104.2 innings, he boasts a 2.06 ERA (the best among All-Star starters) and a 1.19 WHIP. While not a strikeout specialist, Lopez has shown exceptional control and discipline on the mound.
Concerns arose around the All-Star break, as Lopez hasn’t pitched more than 100 innings since 2019. The Braves’ rotation has been dominant, but health remains a concern. Max Fried is currently on the IL with a forearm issue, and Lopez’s recent forearm tightness could affect the Braves’ strategy.
Rookie Spencer Schwellenbach’s recent performance was impressive, but the back end of Atlanta’s rotation has been inconsistent. Despite having three All-Stars, including Fried, Cy Young frontrunner Chris Sale, and Charlie Morton, the Braves have struggled to fill the No. 5 spot in the regular-season rotation, with numerous rookies and prospects failing to secure it.
Schwellenbach might hold the spot for now, but potential issues with Lopez, such as further injury or innings limits, could quickly deplete the Braves’ depth. This scenario could lead to situations like Bryce Elder getting hit hard by the Phillies in the NLDS.
While the immediate concern with Lopez has passed, the Braves should strengthen their rotation before Tuesday’s trade deadline and ensure they have contingency plans. Lopez’s health is critical, and the Braves must be cautious to avoid losing him to preventable issues.
