It’s bad enough that the Atlanta Braves have started the 2025 season 0-5. However, things have compounded over the last few days, giving fans traumatic memories from the nightmare that was 2024.
The team’s biggest offseason acquisition, Jurickson Profar, was suspended for 80 games after he tested positive for PEDs. Profar tested positive for Chorionic Gonadotrophin (hCG), which is a violation of the league’s joint drug prevention and treatment program.
To add insult to injury, the Braves later announced that starting pitcher Reynaldo Lopez would be placed on the 15-day IL with shoulder inflammation. Atlanta then lost to the Dodgers 6-1, spoiling Grant Holmes’ first start of the season.
Fans received even more bad news on Tuesday, as it turns out Lopez will undergo arthroscopic surgery on his right shoulder. The doctors won’t know the extent of the damage until this is completed. Braves insider Justin Toscano stated, “The hope is he pitches again this season.”
Braves starter Reynaldo Lopez expected to undergo shoulder surgery, could miss multiple months
Reynaldo López’s right shoulder will get scoped out next week, Brian Snitker said. Braves won’t know the extent of the damage — or if there is any besides inflammation — until doctors go in there during this arthroscopic procedure. The hope is he pitches again this season.
— Justin Toscano (@JustinCToscano) April 2, 2025
MLB insider Mark Bowman added a potential timeframe to Lopez’s absence. Bowman said we can expect him to miss at least a couple of months. However, the Braves won’t know an actual timetable until the surgery is completed.
Lopez was one of Atlanta’s biggest surprises in 2024, but things have gone horribly wrong this season. His velocity was a bit down in his first start, and he allowed three runs on nine hits (5 IP), including three walks and one strikeout.
Bryce Elder will cover Lopez’s spot in the rotation on Wednesday, and with Spencer Strider still rehabbing the team is in a difficult spot. The rotation now consists of Chris Sale, Spencer Schwellenbach, Holmes, AJSS, and Elder.
This is not an ideal place for the Braves to be in, even with Strider’s return on the horizon. Alex Anthopoulos may need to turn to the trade market or look at what free agents remain with Lopez expected to miss a big chunk of time.
