Braves Temporarily Moving Reynaldo Lopez To Relief Role

After injuries in Spring Training, the Braves have enough arms to experiment with their starting lineup. Reynaldo Lopez, previously their No. 2 starter, is being reassigned to the bullpen due to recent struggles, including a poor outing in their 11-4 loss to the Nationals. Manager Walt Weiss stated that Lopez is working through delivery issues and will serve as a reliever in the short term while remaining a potential starter long-term. The Braves have a fluid rotation, with Martin Perez, JR Ritchie, and Bryce Elder set to start in the upcoming series against the Tigers, while Grant Holmes and Chris Sale will pitch against the Rockies and Nationals, respectively, depending on Spencer Strider’s recovery from an oblique strain. Strider, on the 15-day injured list, made a rehab start today and should pitch in Denver next weekend if no setbacks occur. The team’s current 20-9 record highlights their strong offense, bullpen, and rotation, though the ERA (3.12) is undermined by secondary metrics. Lopez’s 3.74 ERA is respectable, but his strikeout (21.1%) and walk (11.6%) rates are below average, and his four-seamer’s velocity (93.9mph) is lower than his 2024 average (95.5mph). His 2024 season was dominant (1.99 ERA), but injuries—including forearm and shoulder problems—led to arthroscopic surgery and limited his 2025 season to just one start. Lopez’s rehab was halted late in the year due to insufficient recovery time. Moving him to the bullpen provides cover if starters are pulled early, while lower-leverage work may help him address mechanical issues.