Braves News: Reynaldo Lopez injury update, Austin Riley, Rick Kranitz
The Atlanta Braves' momentum stalled on Friday night as they lost to the Miami Marlins 4-3. Fortunately, the Mets lost to the Phillies and Atlanta didn't lose any ground in the Wild Card race.
However, they cannot afford any more losses going forward. Losing games this late in the season is brutal especially when you are in a tight race with a bitter rival. Hopefully, the Brave can get things turned around and find a way to get themselves into the playoffs.
With the bad news out of the way, let's check out some encouraging news coming out of the Braves' camp.
Braves third baseman Austin Riley set for MRI on Monday
Atlanta's injury bug has been tough to deal with all season and losing Austin Riley so late in the season hurt. Riley suffered a broken right hand after being hit by a pitch. We received an update on the All-Star third baseman regarding his cast and the next steps.
He will undergo an MRI on Monday to see if his hand has fully healed. If his hand is fully healed, the cast can be removed. This is encouraging news because if he is fully healed and Atlanta can sneak into the postseason, Riley could return to the team. This would be a massive offensive boost for the ballclub.
Austin Riley is due for a CT scan Monday, and the result could dictate whether he can get his cast off. You know Riley — he’s hoping to be back in time for the postseason, should the Braves make it. The fracture was to the base of his hamate on his right hand.
— Justin Toscano (@JustinCToscano) September 20, 2024
However, that all hinges on the MRI results being positive and Atlanta playing well enough to get themselves into a playoff spot. Let's hope they can figure it out so that Austin can return and help the team make a run at the World Series title.
Reynaldo Lopez starting baseball activities as he nears end of IL stint
Starter Reynaldo Lopez has been out since September 10th after being pulled from his start after one inning. It was revealed Lopez suffered a shoulder injury with inflammation in his right shoulder. It was a blow to the Braves because he has been one of the brightest spots of the season.
Snitker said Reynaldo López played catch today, his first throwing since leaving his Sept. 10 start with shoulder inflammation. No timetable for return.
— David O'Brien (@DOBrienATL) September 20, 2024
Also, Snitker said they're still discussing plan for Chris Sale, re: whether to start him twice before end of season or once.
In his absence, Atlanta has needed to depend on Grant Holmes to start. Holmes has been good but nowhere near the level, Reynaldo has been. It was reported that Lopez started playing catch on Friday which indicates he's getting closer to a return. However, there is no official timetable for his return at this moment.
it would be smart for the Braves to just hold off on rushing Lopez back. There's no guarantee the team will make the playoffs but you'd want him to be healthy for them if they do make it. There's no sense in trying to rush him back for a start next week.
Braves' pitching coach Rick Kranitz returned to the team after extended absence
Atlanta has been without their pitching coach for a few months as he stepped away for a family matter. The team ensured he had all the time to be there during that process. Bullpen coach Erick Abreu stepped in for Kranitz and did a very good job. However, Kranitz returned to the team on Friday as the team began their series in Miami.
This was Abreu's first year on an MLB coaching staff and going from bullpen coach to pitching coach like that was probably nerve-wracking. However, he handled it well and showed how valuable he is to this coaching staff.
It's nice to have Kranitz back with the team. He will work extremely hard to help this pitching staff do everything they can to pitch well enough to get into the postseason. There have been some unusual struggles lately despite the team being one of the best staffs in baseball. Hopefully, Rick can help resolve some of those issues.
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