Reynaldo Lopez Returns to Boost Atlanta Braves’ Wild-Card Chase

On the 28th of September, 2024, the Atlanta Braves announced that All-Star right-hander Reynaldo Lopez is back in the game after a 15-day break due to an injury. Positioned to pitch against the Kansas City Royals, Lopez’s return is a significant boost for the Braves, who are currently neck-and-neck with the New York Mets and Arizona Diamondbacks for the remaining National League wild-card berths.

Lopez’s Comeback Amid A Tight Wild-Card Race

Lopez’s comeback is timely as the Braves (87-71) are in a fierce competition with the Mets (87-71) and the Diamondbacks (88-72) for the two remaining wild-card berths of the National League. The San Diego Padres, with a record of 92-68, have already secured one of the spots.

The Braves are heading into their last four games of the season, which include a home doubleheader against the Mets. This is a rescheduled match, initially postponed due to Hurricane Helene.

John Brebbia Returns to Triple-A Gwinnett

Parallel to Lopez’s return, the Braves made the decision to send right-hander John Brebbia back to Triple-A Gwinnett. Brebbia, aged 34, joined the Braves as a free agent on August 31st after parting ways with the Chicago White Sox.

Lopez’s Stellar Season Despite Shoulder Inflammation

Despite being side-lined by right shoulder inflammation since September 11, Lopez, 30, has had a commendable season. In his first year with the Braves, he has achieved an 8-5 record, a 2.03 ERA, and racked up 137 strikeouts over 128 2/3 innings across 24 starts.

Lopez’s professional career spans nine seasons with teams such as the Washington Nationals (2016), Chicago White Sox (2017-23), Los Angeles Angels (2023), Cleveland Guardians (2023), and now the Braves. His overall record stands at 47-54, with six saves and a 3.95 ERA over 265 games, 121 of which were starts.

After his second side session on Thursday, Lopez confirmed he was ready to play. He stated, “Whatever the team wants to do, obviously, it’s their call. But if you’re asking me how I feel, I feel like I’m ready to go out there.”

Brebbia’s Performance as a Relief Pitcher

Brebbia’s short stint with the Braves saw him achieve a 2.70 ERA with two walks and nine strikeouts in 6 2/3 innings over five relief appearances. Earlier in the season with the White Sox, he had a 0-6 record with two saves, a 6.29 ERA, 17 walks, and 58 strikeouts in 48 2/3 innings over 54 appearances. His career record stands at 15-21 with four saves and a 3.80 ERA in 354 games, including 21 starts for teams such as the St. Louis Cardinals (2017-19), San Francisco Giants (2021-23), White Sox (2024) and Braves.