Most Atlanta Braves fans have already turned their attention to the offseason, and fantasized about a perfect 2026 roster. Although the team still has a few weeks worth of games, getting players healthy so they enter spring training with no limitations is a key focus for Atlanta's front office.
The team got some great news on that front on Friday morning when Reynaldo Lopez threw 20 pitches off the mound in what was his second time throwing since his shoulder surgery earlier this season. Lopez had a stellar 1.99 ERA during his All-Star 2024 campaign, and a return to anything close to that would go a long way for the Braves in 2026.
Reynaldo Lopez threw 20 pitches off the mound today. Second time off the mound since shoulder surgery. He will throw five more pens in North Port over the next couple weeks and face hitters on Sept. 30. Wants to be a starter, but is now saying he’d be open to the pen.
— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) September 12, 2025
Braves' Reynaldo Lopez claims his shoulder feels the best it has in years
Lopez spoke to members of Braves' media after he threw off the mound on Friday, and his remarks should excite all of Braves country. In David O'Brien's latest article from The Athletic, he quoted Lopez to have said this is the best his shoulder has felt in four or five years. That's pretty incredible to hear considering how good Lopez was in 2024.
Lopez said he had been feeling discomfort in the shoulder for years, and it reached it's most painful level during spring training this season. That certainly explains the dip in velocity and lack of command Lopez struggled with back in March.
The immediate plan is for Lopez to travel to Atlanta's spring training site in North Port and throw five bullpen sessions before facing live hitters at the end of September. The final step is two separate live batting practices before Lopez would go home for the offseason with hopes of progressing through a normal, healthy offseason.
Where exactly Lopez slots in the pitching staff next year is a question the Braves will have to address if Lopez is fully back health wise during next season's spring training. Lopez has been quoted as wanting to remain in the rotation, but a lot of that could hinge on what moves Alex Anthopoulos makes this winter. However, with this health update Braves fans should be more optimistic that Lopez can provide value in some role in 2026, and not too long ago that wasn't a guarantee.