# Braves lose Reynaldo Lopez before October

> Atlanta’s rotation takes another late hit as Reynaldo Lopez’s shoulder sends him to the injured list.
- Title: Braves lose Reynaldo Lopez before October · Newsweek
- Summary: Atlanta’s rotation takes another late hit as Reynaldo Lopez’s shoulder sends him to the injured list. The Braves still have a playoff rotation, but Lopez’s…
- Keywords: atlanta braves, reynaldo lopez, jr ritchie, triple-a gwinnett, right shoulder inflammation, injured list, mlb postseason, chris sale, tyler mahle, grant holmes, martin perez, nl east
- Source: Newsweek — https://newsweek.com/sports/mlb/braves-take-another-pitching-hit-as-all-star-veteran-heads-to-il-12446935
- Author: Aaron Coloma
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: atlanta braves, reynaldo lopez, jr ritchie, triple-a gwinnett, right shoulder inflammation, injured list, mlb postseason, chris sale, tyler mahle, grant holmes, martin perez, nl east
## Lopez is done
Reynaldo Lopez went on the 15-day injured list with right shoulder inflammation, ending his 2026 regular season for Atlanta.

> right shoulder inflammation
## Ritchie gets called
The Braves filled the roster spot by recalling right-hander JR Ritchie from Triple-A Gwinnett.
## A familiar injury worry
Lopez missed almost all of 2025 after a shoulder injury led to season-ending surgery following just one start.
## His season was uneven
In 26 appearances, including 13 starts, Lopez threw 79.1 innings with a 4.54 ERA and 73 strikeouts.
## Rotation takes another hit
Lopez had been a key arm, and Bryce Elder is also out for the rest of the regular season after knee surgery.
## October group remains
Chris Sale, Tyler Mahle and Grant Holmes look set for the postseason rotation, with Martin Perez likely taking the fourth spot over AJ Smith-Shawver.
## Key takeaway

The Braves still have a playoff rotation, but Lopez’s injury leaves less margin behind Chris Sale, Tyler Mahle, Grant Holmes and Martin Perez.