The Atlanta Braves became the first team to reach 20 wins on Sunday, defeating the Philadelphia Phillies 6–2.
After an off day Monday, the Braves are set to open a series at home against the Detroit Tigers beginning Tuesday in what should be a competitive matchup.
With their strong start to the season, Atlanta’s coaching staff has more flexibility to rotate and manage the pitching staff based on matchups and performance. Late Sunday, Braves reporter Mark Bowman noted that starter Reynaldo López is expected to be used in a different role for the time being.
Reynaldo Lopez to be Used in Bullpen To Fix Mechanical Issues
Atlanta Braves manager Walt Weiss told reporters after Sunday’s game that Reynaldo López will be temporarily shifted to the bullpen while he works through mechanical adjustments.
Despite early-season injuries in the rotation, Atlanta’s starting pitching has developed into a strength. With Spencer Strider nearing a return after a strong rehab outing, he appears close to rejoining the rotation.
That development likely forces a current starter out of the mix, with López the odd man out for now. He began the season well for Atlanta, but his last three outings have raised concerns. In his most recent start against the Washington Nationals, he failed to make it out of the second inning, prompting the coaching staff to identify mechanical issues.
Weiss said López needs to “iron some things out” as the Braves work to get him back on track.
Reynaldo Lopez’s Time with Atlanta
Atlanta Braves starter Reynaldo López joined the club ahead of the 2024 season and immediately delivered an All-Star caliber year. In 25 starts and more than 135 innings, he posted a dominant 1.99 ERA with 148 strikeouts.
His momentum stalled in 2025 after a shoulder injury sidelined him for most of the season, raising questions about his velocity and overall effectiveness. He ended up making only one start that year.
In 2026, López has returned to the mound for five starts, logging 21.2 innings while allowing nine earned runs, including four home runs, and striking out 20 batters.
Now moving into a bullpen role, the Braves will look to see if the adjustment helps him regain form. It remains to be seen how manager Walt Weiss plans to deploy him moving forward and whether López’s long-term role with Atlanta will be limited to relief work.
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