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Braves Reveal Unfortunate Update on Reynaldo Lopez

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jeremy Lockett | Last updated Apr 8, 2025 6:31 PM ET

The Atlanta Braves will be without one of their most reliable starters for a while, as right-hander Reynaldo López is expected to miss at least 12 weeks following arthroscopic surgery on his throwing shoulder.

López underwent the procedure Tuesday in Los Angeles after lingering discomfort in his right shoulder raised concerns. The good news? No structural damage was found, and the surgery was deemed “clean-up” in nature. Manager Brian Snitker said the update was “encouraging,” noting that the medical team didn’t encounter anything alarming during the scope.

“It sounded more positive that they didn’t go in there and find something crazy,” Snitker told reporters.

López had already been transferred from the 15-day injured list to the 60-day IL, so the Braves were anticipating an extended absence. The veteran righty will now be re-evaluated in three months, with the hope that he could still return to the mound before the end of the season.

“If everything goes right, I think we expect to see him again before the year is over,” Snitker said.

The 30-year-old was off to a rocky start in 2025, exiting after allowing nine hits and three runs in a loss to the Padres during the opening series. But his impact from the previous year can’t be overlooked — López was a breakout piece in Atlanta’s rotation in 2024, going 8-5 with a dominant 1.99 ERA in his first season with the Braves.

In the meantime, right-hander Bryce Elder has been recalled from Triple-A Gwinnett to fill the rotation spot. But it may not be long before Spencer Strider makes his return.

Strider, who made the NL All-Star team in 2024, is nearing the end of his rehab stint. He’s posted a 1.08 ERA through two starts in Triple-A and is lined up to pitch again Thursday in what could be his final tune-up. After a lost 2025 season to start the year, the Braves are hoping to have one ace returning soon while waiting on another.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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