Atlanta Braves manager Walt Weiss announced after Monday night’s 7-3 loss to the Chicago Cubs that starting pitcher Reynaldo López will be placed on the 15-day injured list with right shoulder discomfort. The move comes with just 11 regular-season games remaining as Atlanta works to protect a 4½-game lead over the Philadelphia Phillies in the National League East.
López’s Injury History and Recent Struggles
López was chased during the third inning after allowing five runs and six hits over three innings. The right-hander has posted a 4.54 ERA across 79⅓ innings this season. His arm began bothering him during the final two months of the 2024 season, and he made just one start before undergoing season-ending shoulder surgery in 2025.
Weiss explained the decision to sideline López, citing inconsistent physical feelings throughout the campaign.
“He said he’s had some good days and bad days throughout the year,” Weiss said. “Sometimes he hasn’t felt it at all, and then sometimes he does. So we’ve got to change course here.”
López described the sensation as discomfort rather than sharp pain.
“It’s not really pain so much,” López said. “It’s just something that doesn’t feel great.”
Rotation Depth Tested Again
The Braves’ starting pitching depth has been a recurring concern dating back to the offseason. Spring Training losses of Spencer Schwellenbach and Hurston Waldrep, followed by Spencer Strider’s season-ending elbow injury in June, intensified the need for reinforcement ahead of the Trade Deadline.
With López now sidelined, only Chris Sale, Tyler Mahle, Grant Holmes, and Martín Pérez remain as established starters expected to factor into postseason plans. Weiss acknowledged the challenge but expressed confidence in internal options.
“Luckily we have options,” Weiss said. “We have guys stretched out. We have some guys we can go to.”
Ritchie and Smith-Shawver Step Up
Weiss confirmed that right-hander JR Ritchie will be recalled from Triple-A Gwinnett to start Wednesday’s series finale against the Cubs. AJ Smith-Shawver, who pitched five innings of relief in Monday’s loss, also enters the mix as a potential multi-inning option or spot starter.
Smith-Shawver entered in the fourth inning and retired eight of the first nine batters he faced, including seven consecutive outs before Carson Kelly’s single preceded Pete Crow-Armstrong’s two-run homer in the sixth. The 23-year-old allowed four hits, walked three, and struck out two over five innings.
“AJ did exactly what we needed him to do,” Weiss said. “He covered the rest of the game and did it competitively.”
Smith-Shawver’s Role Evolution
After returning from Tommy John surgery in late July, Smith-Shawver posted a 7.71 ERA in five starts, removing him from postseason rotation consideration. The Braves shifted him to the bullpen this week to evaluate his fit as a multi-inning reliever, though he may now be needed for at least one start before the regular season concludes.
The young right-hander embraced the role change.
“The way some of my starts have been going, I think it’s good to just get a little different feel, a little different look at it,” Smith-Shawver said. “I was happy with it. I’ve done it before, so I’m comfortable with it. At the end of the day, I’m just here to try to put the team in a good position and just try to win games.”
Postseason Implications
As Atlanta navigates its final 11 games, the organization must balance immediate rotation needs with October preparation. Smith-Shawver’s emergence as a viable bullpen weapon adds flexibility, while Ritchie’s debut represents the next test of the club’s farm system depth. The Braves’ ability to weather yet another pitching setback will likely determine whether they secure the NL East crown and enter the playoffs with a rested, aligned staff.
