Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Reynaldo Lopez (shoulder) will not throw for 12 weeks. Lopez underwent arthroscopic shoulder surgery on Tuesday, which was described as a "clean-up" procedure. The team hopes Lopez will be available to pitch late in the season. During his first start of the season, Lopez logged five innings of work and allowed three earned runs. He struck out one batter and served up two walks. He enjoyed an impressive debut season in Atlanta in 2024 as he posted a stellar 1.99 ERA with a 1.11 WHIP. He tallied 148 punchouts across 135 2/3 innings. Fantasy managers in deeper NL-only leagues should continue to hold Lopez on an IL spot on their roster. With Lopez exiting the rotation, Spencer Strider (elbow) will likely take his spot once he is cleared to return to the majors.

Atlanta Braves right-hander Reynaldo Lopez (shoulder) is scheduled to have arthroscopic surgery on his right shoulder next Tuesday, according to manager Brian Snitker. The Braves will have a better idea on the extent of damage in Lopez's shoulder after the surgery. The 31-year-old veteran hurler has already been placed on the 60-day injured list, though, which means he'll be out until at least late May, but it's more likely that we won't see him again until the second half of the season. It's a big blow for the Braves and the veteran Dominican, but the good news for Atlanta's pitching staff is that Spencer Strider (elbow) should make his 2025 debut later this month. In his return to a starting role in 2024 in his first year in Atlanta, Lopez was a first-time All-Star by going 8-5 with a 1.99 ERA and 1.11 WHIP with 148 K's and 42 walks in 135 2/3 innings. Expecting him to return to that form in the second half this year is probably asking a lot.

MLB.com's Mark Bowman reports that Atlanta Braves right-hander Reynaldo Lopez (shoulder) will undergo arthroscopic surgery on his right shoulder to determine if he has any structural damage after imaging only showed inflammation. A timetable for Lopez's return won't be known until after he has surgery, but he's expected to miss at least a couple of months. The Braves lost outfielder Jurickson Profar to an 80-game suspension for performance-enhancing drugs on Monday and have now lost one of their best starters from a year ago for a few months. That's all on top of Atlanta starting off the year 0-5. Lopez was a first-time All-Star in 2024 in his first year in Atlanta with a 1.99 ERA and 1.11 WHIP in his return to a starting role for the first time since 2019, but the expanded workload has taken its toll. Bryce Elder will start in Lopez's play on Wednesday against the Dodgers, but it won't be long before Spencer Strider (elbow) makes his return to Atlanta's starting rotation.

Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Reynaldo Lopez (shoulder) was placed on the 15-day IL with right shoulder inflammation on Monday, backdated to March 29th. In a corresponding move, Bryce Elder was recalled from Triple-A Gwinnett. Lopez gave up three runs on nine hits in his only start this season against the Padres. The 31-year-old had been seeing a decrease in velocity this Spring, suggesting the injury may have been nagging him for longer than just one start. In his absence expect Elder to get starts in Atlanta's rotation. Elder is no stranger to the Braves rotation and posted up a 3.81 ERA in 31 starts in 2023, though he performed much worse in 2024 with a 6.52 ERA in 10 starts. Fantasy managers should exercise caution before adding Elder in their league.

Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Reynaldo Lopez saw his velocity decrease during Friday's Grapefruit League contest. Lopez's fastball sat near 90-to-92 mph during the contest and occasionally increased to 93 mph. His slider and curveball also saw a slight decrease in velocity (two-to-three mph) compared to last season. In this contest, Lopez surrendered six hits and four earned runs (five total). Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status during the remainder of spring training as his production could take a hit if his velocity remains down. Last season, Lopez enjoyed a career-season as he held a 1.99 ERA with a 1.11 WHIP across 135 2/3 innings. He tallied 148 strikeouts but generated a high 42.2 percent hard-hit rate. Lopez is expected to spend the entire 2025 season in the starting rotation.

The Atlanta Braves signed right-hander Reynaldo Lopez to a new three-year, $30 million deal on Saturday, the team announced. Lopez will earn $8 million in 2025, $14 million in 2026, and $8 million in 2027. He originally signed a three-year deal with the Braves last November that included a club option for 2027. Additionally, the team signed left-hander Aaron Bummer to a two-year, $13 million deal on Saturday. He'll make $3.5 million next season and $9.5 million in 2026. The 30-year-old Lopez was originally set to make $11 million in both 2025 and 2026. He faded down the stretch due to injuries, but overall, the Dominican hurler had a fantastic first season in Atlanta in a return to a starting role, going 8-5 with a 1.99 ERA, 1.11 WHIP and 148 strikeouts in 135 2/3 innings over his 26 outings (25 starts) during the regular season.

Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Reynaldo Lopez (shoulder) was outstanding in his return off of the injured list on Saturday, tossing six innings of one-run ball, allowing just two hits and striking out nine Royals in a crucial 2-1 victory as the Braves look to lock down a wild-card spot. The 30-year-old has had a terrific season, even earning his first All-Star appearance this season, but has been limited in the second half due to injuries. Still, he came up big when the Braves needed it and will finish the regular season with an 8-5 record, an ERA of just 2.00, a 1.11 WHIP, and a K-BB% of 19.3%. The righty may have helped fantasy managers to are still in it to a championship and he'll look to continue that success next season in Atlanta.

Atlanta Braves right-hander Reynaldo Lopez (shoulder) will come off the injured list to start for the team on Saturday at Truist Park against the Kansas City Royals. Lopez has been a first-time All-Star in his return to a starting role in his first year in Atlanta in 2024. He's gone 8-5 with a career-best 2.03 ERA and 1.15 WHIP in 24 total starts, but he's dealt with injuries in the second half and has only made seven starts since the All-Star break as the Braves have looked to limit his innings down the stretch. In his seven starts since the All-Star break, he's posted a still-strong 2.45 ERA with 42 K's and eight walks in 33 innings. The 30-year-old hasn't pitched since Sept. 10 due to right-shoulder inflammation, so we shouldn't expect him to be able to go deep in Saturday's start as the Braves continue their trek to try and get the final wild-card spot in the National League. Fantasy managers still playing for something this weekend would be rolling the dice throwing Lopez out there after his layoff with not even a minor-league rehab start to get tuned up.

Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Reynaldo Lopez (shoulder) was able to throw a successful bullpen session on Thursday, according to manager Brian Snitker. He added that Lopez felt great and is ready to pitch whenever he's needed. The right-hander has been sidelined since leaving his start against the Washington Nationals a few weeks ago. The team hasn't made any announcements, but it sounds like Lopez could be available for Saturday or Sunday. There is no word on any pitch limits, so hopefully Lopez is a full-go as the Braves look to grab one of the final Wild Card spots.

Atlanta Braves right-hander Reynaldo Lopez (shoulder) threw a side session on Tuesday, and it sounds like there's a chance he could be activated off the 15-day injured list to work as a reliever or starter in the final week of the regular season as the Braves try to secure the final wild-card spot in the National League. Lopez is eligible to come off the 15-day IL on Thursday as he works his way back from inflammation in his right shoulder. It would be a pretty big surprise if the 30-year-old returned in a starting role this weekend despite the fact that he's been excellent for Atlanta this year with an 8-5 record, 2.03 ERA, 1.15 WHIP and 137 strikeouts in 128 2/3 innings over his 24 starts in a return to a starting role in 2024. If Lopez does start this weekend against the Kansas City Royals, he'll surely be on a limited pitch count.

Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Reynaldo Lopez (shoulder) played catch on Friday, marking the first throwing activities he's participated in since leaving his start early on Sept. 10 with shoulder inflammation. There still is not a timetable for Lopez's return, creating a bit of uncertainty for Atlanta's rotation as they fight for the final National League wild-card spot. The Braves are certainly missing Lopez's production on the mound. His 2.03 ERA was a very welcome surprise after spending the last couple seasons as a reliever for the White Sox, Angels and Guardians. Should Lopez return this season, it should be expected that it would be during a playoff run should Atlanta snag a wild-card spot. Fantasy managers looking for help to finish the season should turn their heads to Grant Holmes, who holds a 3.84 ERA and a 1.28 WHIP in 2024. Holmes has been thrust into the rotation for spot starts in August and September and would be a solid last-second option for fantasy managers.

Atlanta Braves right-hander Reynaldo Lopez's (shoulder) MRI exam came back clean for any structural damage, and he's just dealing with inflammation, according to manager Brian Snitker. The Braves will let Lopez take a few days off before starting a throwing program. His progress in the throwing program will determine when he can return from the 15-day injured list. Atlanta is hoping the 30-year-old can return once his 15-day stint on the IL is up, but even if that comes to pass, there's a good chance that the Braves have him return in a relief role. Lopez was excellent for the Braves in the first half on his way to making his first All-Star team, but he's slowed down in the second half and has gone over 100 innings pitched in 2024 in a return to a full-time starting role for the first time since 2019. Having him healthy for a potential playoff run has to be Atlanta's top priority right now.

The Atlanta Braves placed right-hander Reynaldo Lopez (shoulder) on the 15-day injured list with right-shoulder inflammation and recalled right-hander Daysbel Hernandez from the minors in a corresponding move. The team also designated right-hander Jimmy Herget for assignment. Lopez was forced to leave his start early on Tuesday against the division-rival Washington Nationals, and initial tests on his shoulder looked good, but further imaging showed inflammation, and he will now miss at least the next two weeks. It's been an excellent year for the 30-year-old right-hander but the elevated workload as a starter for the first time since 2019 appears to have caught up with him. Fantasy managers in redraft leagues can drop Lopez now, and it's more likely than not that Lopez will return in a relief role if the Braves secure one of the final wild-card spots in the National League.

The Atlanta Braves were forced to pull right-hander Reynaldo Lopez (shoulder) from his start early on Tuesday night against the division-rival Washington Nationals at Nationals Park due to right-shoulder tightness. Lopez only made it through one inning and gave up one hit in a scoreless frame while walking none and striking out one before giving way to veteran reliever Jesse Chavez. The Braves were quick to give the 30-year-old the hook when they noticed his velocity was down right from the beginning. Lopez has been great in a move to a full-time starting role in his first year in Atlanta in 2024, but he's gone over 100 innings in the big leagues for the first time since 2019, and it appears his elevated workload could finally be catching up to him. At this point, depending on the severity of his shoulder injury, it wouldn't be a surprise to see the Braves play it safe and move him to the bullpen as they battle for a playoff spot.

Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Reynaldo Lopez was fantastic in defeat on Thursday, striking out 11 over six two-run frames in a tough 3-1 loss to the Colorado Rockies. Lopez allowed just five hits and didn't walk a batter in this one. The 30-year-old is having the best season of his career, pitching to a 2.04 ERA and 1.15 WHIP with 136 strikeouts over 127 IP. His consistency has been spectacular, as he has allowed over three runs in a start just once all season, and in that start he allowed four. Fantasy managers should start Lopez without worry for the few starts he has left, but before that they should thank their lucky stars they got him off waivers.

Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Reynaldo Lopez (forearm) pitched well in Tuesday's 3-1 win over the Phillies. Lopez, who had been on the injured list for the last three weeks with right forearm inflammation, pitched five innings of one-run ball, allowing five hits and a walk with 10 strikeouts on 90 pitches. It was encouraging to see the 30-year-old pick up right where he left before getting hurt. He now owns a 7-4 record with a 2.05 ERA, a 9.19 K/9 rate, and a 3.12 BB/9 rate in 20 starts and 109 2/3 IP. He will draw a favorable matchup in his next start against the Nationals.

The Atlanta Braves reinstated right-hander Reynaldo Lopez (forearm) from the 15-day injured list on Monday and optioned right-hander Jimmy Herget to Triple-A Gwinnett in a corresponding move. Lopez will make his return and start in the series opener on Tuesday versus the division-rival Philadelphia Phillies at Truist Park. The 30-year-old first-time All-Star in 2024 has missed the last three weeks with inflammation in his right forearm, so he's going to be a pretty shaky fantasy play in his first start back against one of the best teams in baseball. In his lone minor-league rehab start, Lopez got up to 71 pitches and four innings of work, so he'll almost certainly be limited from a pitch-count perspective. The Dominican hurler has an ERA just above 2.00 for the year with 102 K's in 104 2/3 innings, but he's in line for some workload restrictions to close out the year.

Atlanta Braves manager Brian Snitker said on Wednesday that the team will work starting pitcher Reynaldo Lopez (elbow) back into the rotation early next week when they come off their current road trip, and the hurler isn't expected to make another rehab start. With that said, it sounds like Lopez is lining up to start Tuesday's series opener for a showdown against the first-place Philadelphia Phillies at Truist Park. After throwing 71 pitches in a rehab start with Triple-A Gwinnett on Tuesday, Lopez is on the cusp of rejoining Atlanta's rotation, and his next appearance is slated to come with the major-league roster. The 30-year-old first-time All-Star is recovering from right elbow inflammation, and he is 7-4 this season with a 2.06 ERA, 1.19 WHIP, and 102:37 K:BB over 104 2/3 innings for the Braves.

Atlanta Braves All-Star right-hander Reynaldo Lopez (forearm) is scheduled to begin his minor-league rehab assignment on Tuesday and make a start with Triple-A Gwinnett. Lopez is expected to rejoin Atlanta's starting rotation after his rehab start on Tuesday, barring a setback with his right forearm. The 30-year-old's next start in the big leagues could come as early as this Sunday on the road in Anaheim against the Los Angeles Angels in what would be a great matchup, although he'd still be a bit more risky for fantasy purposes after leaving his last start on July 28 due to right-forearm inflammation. The Dominican hurler made his first All-Star team in 2024 in his return to a starting role for the first time since 2019, but he could be running out of steam in the second half and is also in danger of having his innings monitored down the stretch.

Atlanta Braves right-hander Reynaldo Lopez (forearm) resumed playing catch on Tuesday, a day after landing on the 15-day injured list with right-forearm tightness that caused him to leave his last start on July 28. The Braves were initially hoping that Lopez wouldn't need to go on the IL, so there's a chance he could be reinstated as soon as he's eligible to return on Aug. 17. If anything, it will give the Braves a shot to limit the 30-year-old Dominican's innings, as he's already over 100 innings pitched in 2024 for the first time since 2019, when he was starting for the Chicago White Sox. Before his shortened start on July 28, Lopez had allowed seven earned runs in 12 innings over his previous two starts. Lopez was great for fantasy managers in the first half, but the first-time All-Star could be seeing signs of exhaustion as we near the end of the year.