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Latest update on Reynaldo Lopez

Originally posted on SportsTalkATL | By Chase Irle | Last updated Aug 6, 2026 6:05 PM ET

The Braves rotation is getting pretty crowded. Not necessarily with frontline guys, but with plenty of options to give them innings. Bryce Elder and Grant Holmes were fantastic to begin the week. AJ Smith-Shawver should rejoin the club in less than two weeks, and Reynaldo Lopez could be back around that time as well.

Lopez was scratched from his last start with knee inflammation. There was little indication of exactly what went wrong, but it doesn’t appear to be serious. He’s already begun a throwing program and doesn’t anticipate this being a very long IL stint.

Spoke to Reynaldo López en Español. He said he’s begun a light throwing program and that he expects the it to be a short stint on the IL.

— Jesús Cano (@Jesus_Cano88) August 6, 2026

How the Braves handle the rotation the rest of the way will be very interesting. Smith-Shawver will surely get a look as a starter when he returns given his upside. It would be difficult to move Holmes or Elder to the bullpen after the way they’ve performed recently, even if Holmes has had a lot of success in a relief role during his time with the Braves.

Lopez has as well, and I’d guess that’s where the Braves put him when he’s ready. That still leaves six guys, but it’s very possible the club chooses to ride a six-man rotation down the stretch to ensure everybody stays healthy. The Braves are probably going to be very cautious with Chris Sale, knowing that if something happens to him, their season is likely over.

This article first appeared on SportsTalkATL and was syndicated with permission.

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