Atlanta Braves pitcher Reynaldo Lopez has been temporarily shifted to relief duties while he addresses mechanical problems with his pitching form, manager Walt Weiss announced to media on Sunday.
The right-handed pitcher started this season in Atlanta’s second spot in the rotation after making only one appearance in 2025 before requiring season-ending shoulder surgery. Lopez posted an impressive 2.18 ERA across his first four outings this year, but struggled significantly in his most recent appearance, surrendering four runs on five hits plus three walks during just one inning in last Tuesday’s 11-4 defeat against Washington.
“We see him as a starter,” Weiss explained. “He’s working through some things, delivery wise, that type of thing, and he’s getting right there. And when he’s right, he’s one of our best starters. He was our No. 2 coming out of camp, even with some of the issues at the end of spring training.”
“So we see him as a starter long term, but right now, trying to iron some things out. He’s going to help us out of the pen in the short term,” the manager added.
The veteran pitcher brings significant experience in both starting and relief roles throughout his major league career. Across 11 seasons and 273 total appearances, including 128 starts, Lopez holds a 48-55 record with a 3.93 ERA.
His 2024 campaign with Atlanta marked a career highlight, earning his inaugural All-Star selection and placing 11th in National League Cy Young Award balloting. That season saw him compile a stellar 1.99 ERA with 148 strikeouts against 42 walks across 135 2/3 innings pitched.
Meanwhile, Atlanta has retained 22-year-old right-hander JR Ritchie on the major league roster following his impressive debut performance Thursday against Washington, where he surrendered two runs on five hits while recording seven strikeouts over seven innings. Ritchie is scheduled for his first home appearance Wednesday when the team faces Detroit.
The Braves also anticipate the return of right-hander Spencer Strider, who could make his season debut as early as this weekend during the team’s series in Colorado. Strider began the year on the injured list due to an oblique strain.
