The Atlanta Braves signed right-hander Reynaldo Lopez to a new three-year, $30 million deal on Saturday, the team announced. Lopez will earn $8 million in 2025, $14 million in 2026, and $8 million in 2027. He originally signed a three-year deal with the Braves last November that included a club option for 2027. Additionally, the team signed left-hander Aaron Bummer to a two-year, $13 million deal on Saturday. He'll make $3.5 million next season and $9.5 million in 2026. The 30-year-old Lopez was originally set to make $11 million in both 2025 and 2026. He faded down the stretch due to injuries, but overall, the Dominican hurler had a fantastic first season in Atlanta in a return to a starting role, going 8-5 with a 1.99 ERA, 1.11 WHIP and 148 strikeouts in 135 2/3 innings over his 26 outings (25 starts) during the regular season.
Reynaldo Lopez Shines With Nine Strikeouts In Return
Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Reynaldo Lopez (shoulder) was outstanding in his return off of the injured list on Saturday, tossing six innings of one-run ball, allowing just two hits and striking out nine Royals in a crucial 2-1 victory as the Braves look to lock down a wild-card spot. The 30-year-old has had a terrific season, even earning his first All-Star appearance this season, but has been limited in the second half due to injuries. Still, he came up big when the Braves needed it and will finish the regular season with an 8-5 record, an ERA of just 2.00, a 1.11 WHIP, and a K-BB% of 19.3%. The righty may have helped fantasy managers to are still in it to a championship and he'll look to continue that success next season in Atlanta.
Atlanta Braves right-hander Reynaldo Lopez (shoulder) will come off the injured list to start for the team on Saturday at Truist Park against the Kansas City Royals. Lopez has been a first-time All-Star in his return to a starting role in his first year in Atlanta in 2024. He's gone 8-5 with a career-best 2.03 ERA and 1.15 WHIP in 24 total starts, but he's dealt with injuries in the second half and has only made seven starts since the All-Star break as the Braves have looked to limit his innings down the stretch. In his seven starts since the All-Star break, he's posted a still-strong 2.45 ERA with 42 K's and eight walks in 33 innings. The 30-year-old hasn't pitched since Sept. 10 due to right-shoulder inflammation, so we shouldn't expect him to be able to go deep in Saturday's start as the Braves continue their trek to try and get the final wild-card spot in the National League. Fantasy managers still playing for something this weekend would be rolling the dice throwing Lopez out there after his layoff with not even a minor-league rehab start to get tuned up.
Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Reynaldo Lopez (shoulder) was able to throw a successful bullpen session on Thursday, according to manager Brian Snitker. He added that Lopez felt great and is ready to pitch whenever he's needed. The right-hander has been sidelined since leaving his start against the Washington Nationals a few weeks ago. The team hasn't made any announcements, but it sounds like Lopez could be available for Saturday or Sunday. There is no word on any pitch limits, so hopefully Lopez is a full-go as the Braves look to grab one of the final Wild Card spots.
Atlanta Braves right-hander Reynaldo Lopez (shoulder) threw a side session on Tuesday, and it sounds like there's a chance he could be activated off the 15-day injured list to work as a reliever or starter in the final week of the regular season as the Braves try to secure the final wild-card spot in the National League. Lopez is eligible to come off the 15-day IL on Thursday as he works his way back from inflammation in his right shoulder. It would be a pretty big surprise if the 30-year-old returned in a starting role this weekend despite the fact that he's been excellent for Atlanta this year with an 8-5 record, 2.03 ERA, 1.15 WHIP and 137 strikeouts in 128 2/3 innings over his 24 starts in a return to a starting role in 2024. If Lopez does start this weekend against the Kansas City Royals, he'll surely be on a limited pitch count.
Reynaldo Lopez Plays Catch On Friday, Still No Timetable For Return
Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Reynaldo Lopez (shoulder) played catch on Friday, marking the first throwing activities he's participated in since leaving his start early on Sept. 10 with shoulder inflammation. There still is not a timetable for Lopez's return, creating a bit of uncertainty for Atlanta's rotation as they fight for the final National League wild-card spot. The Braves are certainly missing Lopez's production on the mound. His 2.03 ERA was a very welcome surprise after spending the last couple seasons as a reliever for the White Sox, Angels and Guardians. Should Lopez return this season, it should be expected that it would be during a playoff run should Atlanta snag a wild-card spot. Fantasy managers looking for help to finish the season should turn their heads to Grant Holmes, who holds a 3.84 ERA and a 1.28 WHIP in 2024. Holmes has been thrust into the rotation for spot starts in August and September and would be a solid last-second option for fantasy managers.
Atlanta Braves right-hander Reynaldo Lopez's (shoulder) MRI exam came back clean for any structural damage, and he's just dealing with inflammation, according to manager Brian Snitker. The Braves will let Lopez take a few days off before starting a throwing program. His progress in the throwing program will determine when he can return from the 15-day injured list. Atlanta is hoping the 30-year-old can return once his 15-day stint on the IL is up, but even if that comes to pass, there's a good chance that the Braves have him return in a relief role. Lopez was excellent for the Braves in the first half on his way to making his first All-Star team, but he's slowed down in the second half and has gone over 100 innings pitched in 2024 in a return to a full-time starting role for the first time since 2019. Having him healthy for a potential playoff run has to be Atlanta's top priority right now.
The Atlanta Braves placed right-hander Reynaldo Lopez (shoulder) on the 15-day injured list with right-shoulder inflammation and recalled right-hander Daysbel Hernandez from the minors in a corresponding move. The team also designated right-hander Jimmy Herget for assignment. Lopez was forced to leave his start early on Tuesday against the division-rival Washington Nationals, and initial tests on his shoulder looked good, but further imaging showed inflammation, and he will now miss at least the next two weeks. It's been an excellent year for the 30-year-old right-hander but the elevated workload as a starter for the first time since 2019 appears to have caught up with him. Fantasy managers in redraft leagues can drop Lopez now, and it's more likely than not that Lopez will return in a relief role if the Braves secure one of the final wild-card spots in the National League.
The Atlanta Braves were forced to pull right-hander Reynaldo Lopez (shoulder) from his start early on Tuesday night against the division-rival Washington Nationals at Nationals Park due to right-shoulder tightness. Lopez only made it through one inning and gave up one hit in a scoreless frame while walking none and striking out one before giving way to veteran reliever Jesse Chavez. The Braves were quick to give the 30-year-old the hook when they noticed his velocity was down right from the beginning. Lopez has been great in a move to a full-time starting role in his first year in Atlanta in 2024, but he's gone over 100 innings in the big leagues for the first time since 2019, and it appears his elevated workload could finally be catching up to him. At this point, depending on the severity of his shoulder injury, it wouldn't be a surprise to see the Braves play it safe and move him to the bullpen as they battle for a playoff spot.
Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Reynaldo Lopez was fantastic in defeat on Thursday, striking out 11 over six two-run frames in a tough 3-1 loss to the Colorado Rockies. Lopez allowed just five hits and didn't walk a batter in this one. The 30-year-old is having the best season of his career, pitching to a 2.04 ERA and 1.15 WHIP with 136 strikeouts over 127 IP. His consistency has been spectacular, as he has allowed over three runs in a start just once all season, and in that start he allowed four. Fantasy managers should start Lopez without worry for the few starts he has left, but before that they should thank their lucky stars they got him off waivers.
Reynaldo López
• SP
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Braves
