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Braves news: Reynaldo Lopez receives injury update
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- Braves news: Reynaldo Lopez receives injury update
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The Atlanta Braves recently received positive news heading into the September stretch run involving Reynaldo Lopez. The veteran pitcher will have to make at least one more rehab start before returning.
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According to his status mentioned on MLB.com, Lopez "Will make at least one more rehab start after pitching nine innings in his first two rehab starts. Atlanta wants to keep him stretched out to serve as an insurance option for the rotation."
The update comes after Lopez was placed on the 15-day IL last month, on Aug. 2, due to knee inflammation. The decision was precautionary as the MRI did not show any structural damage to the knee.
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While a return is almost finalized, there's still skepticism about his inclusion in the playoff rotation. Chris Pale, Martin Perez, Tyler Mahle, Bryce Elder, Grant Holmes, and AJ Smith-Shawver currently make up a temporary six-man rotation as the Braves try to manage workloads as the regular season nears an end. Lopez will provide another option either as a starter or in the bullpen.
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As the September begins, Atlanta leads the NL East and is firmly positioned in the National League playoff picture, though the NL East rival Philadelphia Phillies are making a push . The Braves' lead in the NL East is down to just three games, though they're just a half-game behind the Los Angeles Dodgers for the No. 2 spot in the NL.
In other roster news, Atlanta recently added multiple names to its depth with contracts of right-hander Blake Burkhalter and infielder Kyle Farmer, while also placing Robert Suarez on the 60-day injured list.
The Braves play the Washington Nationals on Wednesday, Sept. 2, at Nationals Park in Washington.
