Braves lose All-Star pitcher, make confounding roster move during Whit Merrifield limbo

Injuries have been the bane of the Atlanta Braves' existence in 2024. There's been no reprieve from them all season and it seems no one is safe from them at this point.

Fans have been frustrated with an underperforming offense that exploded on Tuesday evening in Washington D.C. Unfortunately, that offensive explosion is bittersweet as the Braves lost All-Star Reynaldo Lopez after just one inning.

It seemed precautionary at the time as Lopez's velocity was noticeably down from the norm. During the game, fans found out he was removed due to right shoulder tightness.

Braves News: Reynaldo Lopez placed on 15-day IL with shoulder injury

However, the Braves placed Reynaldo on the 15-day IL with right shoulder inflammation on Wednesday afternoon. This puts him out of commission until the end of September and the team is without one of their most dependable starting pitchers. It's the last thing Atlanta needed amid their push to make the playoffs.

Lopez is having the best season of his career with a 2.04 ERA through 128.2 innings (24 starts) 42 walks and 137 strikeouts. Atlanta could choose to keep him from pitching until they reach the postseason and ensure he's as healthy as possible. Unfortunately, that could also mean he's done for the season as the Braves are tied with the Mets for the final Wild Card position.

Right-handed reliever Daysbel Hernandez was recalled from Triple-A Gwinnett to replace Lopez's spot on the roster. The Braves also selected the contract of infielder Cavan Biggio who was recently acquired in a minor league trade with the San Francisco Giants. Luke Williams was optioned to the Stripers and RHP Jimmy Herget was designated for assignment to allow Biggio a place on the roster.

Biggio being recalled is interesting because fans had the understanding that despite Whit Merrifield fracturing his foot, he would potentially still be able to play. It could easily just be the Braves seeing how Biggio performs for the team before deciding on Merrifield. However, it feels like the Braves recalling the youngster means they doubt Whit's ability to play.

There's still no updated timeline for Ozzie Albies' return to the field. Manager Brian Snitker announced a couple of days ago he hadn't been told anything "imminent" about his return but that he had been running the bases. So, there's a chance he returns later than the Braves expected and they need an option to play the field if Merrifield can't.

Biggio wouldn't be eligible for the postseason since he wasn't on the roster before September 1st. So, he would just be here to help give the team some help for the remainder of the regular season. This allows the team to provide Ozzie with as much time as he needs because he would be important for the postseason.

This has been a season to forget and it's been tough to watch. However, the team showing some life offensively after Lopez exited Tuesday's game provided a small glimmer of hope that things could be turning a corner. However, fans have said that a lot this season but hopefully this time it sticks.

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