Atlanta Braves

Reynaldo Lopez

RP

Lopez is working his way back from left knee inflammation, which has kept him out for all of August. The veteran right-hander's last six appearances for Atlanta were as a starting pitcher, but he could be used as a reliever upon his return. If that happens, it might shorten his rehab assignment.

Robert Suarez

RP

He's still not ready to throw off a mound yet, but that could be around the corner if Suarez feels good with his flat-ground progression. The veteran reliever has been shelved for nearly two months with right elbow inflammation and has multiple boxes to check before a potential return date becomes clearer.

Spencer Schwellenbach

SP

Schwellenbach has been throwing bullpen sessions for several weeks as he works his way back from surgery to remove bone spurs from his right elbow. However, he hasn't felt totally comfortable and is still searching for his pre-surgery velocity. Once he's ready, Schwellenbach will head back to Atlanta's spring training facility in Florida to begin facing hitters. There's no timetable for when that will happen, however, and Schwellenbach is running out of time to get ramped up enough to return later this season.

Spencer Strider

SP

Mark Bowman of MLB.com previously reported Aug. 1 that Strider's locker at Truist Park was recently cleared out, which appeared to signal that Atlanta wasn't counting on the right-hander pitching again in 2026. However, with Strider having now been given the green light to start playing light catch, he now looks to have a chance at making it back on the mound before the end of the season. Strider, who has been on the shelf since June 13 due to right elbow inflammation, can't afford a setback during his throwing progression, as any hiccups would likely close the door on a return from the 60-day injured list. Given the time that he's missed, the 27-year-old will be in store for an extended buildup, and it's not a given that he'll be stretched out enough to handle a traditional starting role if/when he returns. Strider could still provide value to Atlanta as an opener or multi-inning weapon out of the bullpen down the stretch.

Joe Jimenez

RP

It's the third surgery Jimenez has had on the knee since November 2024. Weiss noted Wednesday that Jimenez feels better after this recent procedure than he has previously about pitching again, though there remains no timetable for his return. Jimenez is already on the 60-day injured list and will be a free agent after this season.