Braves Place Reynaldo López on IL, Recall Bryce Elder

The Atlanta Braves announced today that right-handed pitcher Reynaldo López has been placed on the 15-day injured list with right shoulder inflammation. The move is retroactive to March 29, meaning López will be eligible to return in mid-April if his recovery progresses as hoped.

In a corresponding roster move, the Braves have recalled right-hander Bryce Elder from the minor leagues. According to Justin Toscano of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Elder will step into the rotation and take López's scheduled start on Wednesday.

Impact on the Rotation

López, 30, joined the Braves this past offseason on a three-year, $30 million contract and was expected to be a key piece of Atlanta's starting rotation. The veteran pitcher had a breakout season in 2023 with the White Sox and Angels, posting a 3.27 ERA across 66 relief appearances.

This spring, the Braves had been working to convert López back to a starting role, which he had filled earlier in his career. The shoulder inflammation represents an early setback to that plan, though the retroactive IL placement suggests the team may be optimistic about a relatively quick return.

Elder Steps In

Bryce Elder, 24, now gets an opportunity to re-establish himself in the Braves' rotation. Elder made 31 appearances (29 starts) for Atlanta last season, pitching to a 4.46 ERA across 174.2 innings. His first half was particularly strong, earning him an All-Star selection, though he struggled with consistency after the break.

The Texas native features a sinker-slider combination and will look to recapture his early 2023 form as he fills in for López.

Looking Ahead

The Braves' pitching depth will be tested early in the 2024 campaign. The team is already navigating the absence of ace Spencer Strider, who is working his way back from an elbow issue that ended his 2023 season prematurely.

Atlanta opens the season with a rotation that includes Max Fried, Charlie Morton, Chris Sale, and now Elder, with the fifth spot likely to be determined in the coming days.

The Braves medical staff will be monitoring López's shoulder closely, as shoulder inflammation can sometimes indicate more significant issues. However, the team has not provided any timeline beyond the standard IL placement, suggesting they may be viewing this as a precautionary measure.