When fans think about the losses the Atlanta Braves experienced this offseason, most of the attention is understandably on the guys who left in free agency. Charlie Morton and especially former ace Max Fried were critical pieces of the Braves’ rotation that are playing in different uniforms in 2025. On the bullpen side, AJ Minter signing with the Mets is a real loss. However, few have given the injury to Joe Jimenez the weight it deserves.
Atlanta still has Raisel Iglesias for the closing spots, but losing their primary setup man in Jimenez is a massive deal and one the team was unable to resolve during the offseason. While the team clearly knew something was ailing Jimenez, few expected the news that he needed knee surgery that threatened to cost him the entire 2025 season.
Fast forward to spring training this year and the news is slightly better on Jimenez these days. While there is no world where Jimenez will return in the first half, it does sound like a second half return for Jimenez could be in the cards.
From July through the end of the season, Joe Jiménez pitched through damaged cartilage in his left knee. It didn't bother him much pitching, but teammates could tell he was in pain.
Talked to Jiménez about the injury, surgery and road ahead:https://t.co/P4VPfqOul3
— Justin Toscano (@JustinCToscano) February 23, 2025
Joe Jimenez’s recovery from knee surgery is going well, could return in 2025
The explanation of Jimenez’s status is actually pretty straightforward. He underwent surgery to repair cartilage damage in his left knee right after the season with a timeline to recover between eight and 12 months. If it takes him 12 months to bounce back, that is the entire 2025 season lost. If he stays on track and can get back on the mound in the eight/nine month range, he could be pitching out of the Braves’ bullpen for most of the second half of the season.
Right now, it is still too early to take any real guesses as to when Jimenez will be ready, although his toughness in pitching through the injury to begin with at least implies that he could come back sooner rather than later. When asked about his recovery at spring training, Jimenez said, “Obviously it’s a long process, but I come here every day to work and try to do everything that I can just to make it right now. Obviously, hopefully I pitch this year. We don’t know yet. As of now, I’m focusing on my rehab every day and see how it goes.”
Assuming Jimenez doesn’t experience any setbacks, which is not something that should be taken for granted given how 2024 went for the Braves, not adding an impact bullpen this offseason could end up working out fine. If things go sideways, fully expect Atlanta to be very active at the trade deadline trying to shore up their bullpen.
