In a season full of devastating injuries, the Braves have somehow been hit with yet another one to a crucial player as they fight to make it to the MLB playoffs.
All-Star starting pitcher Reynaldo Lopez was placed on the 15-day injured list on Wednesday with right shoulder inflammation, a day after he was pulled from his start against the Nationals after one inning.
Lopez, 30, is having a career year in his first season with the Braves, as he boasts a 2.03 ERA in 24 starts.
Reynaldo López had been a revelation this season for the Braves. USA TODAY Sports via Reuters ConHe is eligible to return from the IL on Sept. 26, which is the final game of the crucial three-game Mets-Braves series in Atlanta ahead of the final weekend of the regular season.
The Mets and Braves entered Wednesday tied for the final NL wild-card spot at 79-66.
They’re two games back of the Diamondbacks and 2.5 games back of the Padres, who hold the top wild-card spot.
Pitcher Daysbel Hernández was called up in a corresponding move and is expected to take over López’s rotation slot.
Atlanta Braves pitcher Reynaldo Lopez (40) talks with a member of the training staff during the first inning. USA TODAY Sports via Reuters ConThe blow to the Braves rotation is just one in a long list of injuries for Atlanta as the team also is absent the 2023 MLB strikeout king and ace Spencer Strider who is recovering from Tommy John surgery.
Reigning 2023 NL MVP Ronald Acuna Jr tore his ACL in May, and third basemen Austin Riley was lost for six to eight weeks in the middle of August with a fractured right hand.
It is unlikely that Riley will return during the regular season, but he could make a reappearance during the playoffs if they get there.
Star second baseman Ozzie Albies has also been out for multiple weeks as he recovers from a fractured left wrist.
USA TODAY Sports via Reuters ConAtlanta concludes their two-game-set with the Nationals on Wednesday before they begin a dangerous four-game home series against the NL West-leading Dodgers.
After the big Mets series, the Braves finish the season with three home games against the Royals, while the Mets visit the Brewers.





