The Braves are hosting the Brewers this week before a West Coast trip with series against the Giants, Rockies, and Angels before returning back to Atlanta for a pivotal set against the division-leading Phillies. Thankfully, they should have some reinforcements before that potentially NL East-altering matchup in the form of Reynaldo Lopez and Michael Harris II.
On Tuesday, Brian Snitker told Atlanta reporters that Harris is expected back on August 14 as he begins his rehab assignment tonight, and Lopez is expected to return on August 18 as he took a step towards returning to the Braves rotation, playing catch today.
Reynaldo López began playing catch today.
— Justin Toscano (@JustinCToscano) August 6, 2024
Lopez and Harris are All-Star talents, but one facet of the team desperately needs help more than the other. The rotation will be just fine without Lopez, but his return ahead of the Phillies series is great timing. Offensively, the Braves outfield desperately needs Michael Harris back in the fold.
For Lopez, spending some time on the shelf might’ve been the best thing for him. He hasn’t thrown more than 66 innings since 2019, and the forearm tightness could be a sign of fatigue. Regression from the first half of the season was always investable, but the hope is he can be at his strongest when he returns for the stretch run.
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Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire
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