Reynaldo Lopez is a Potentially Devastating Injury to Atlanta Braves

As if they weren't dealing with enough significant injuries to All-Star players already, in Ronald Acuna Jr., Spencer Strider, Austin Riley and Ozzie Albies, the Atlanta Braves have now had to place breakthrough starting pitcher Reynaldo Lopez on the injured list with right shoulder inflammation.

The #Braves today recalled RHP Daysbel Hernández to Atlanta and placed RHP Reynaldo López on the 15-day injured list with right shoulder inflammation. Additionally, the club selected INF Cavan Biggio to the major league roster and optioned INF Luke Williams to Triple-A Gwinnett.…
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) September 11, 2024

Lopez left his start against the Washington Nationals on Tuesday after just one inning due to shoulder stiffness. The IL stint will basically take him out of commission for the balance of the regular season. They can only hope that he is ready to go for the playoffs (if they qualify).

His importance to the Braves' staff this season can't be overstated. He possesses a 2.03 ERA with a 137:42 strikeout-to-walk ratio in his first full season as a starter in five years. He was also named to his first All-Star team.

Lowest ERA as a Starter this year (min. 60 IP)

1. Reynaldo Lopez - 2.04
2. Paul Skenes - 2.13
3. Clarke Schmidt - 2.34 pic.twitter.com/k5l5qBMCfm
— . (@HalToHell) September 7, 2024