### Atlanta Braves' Reynaldo López Faces Extended Recovery After Shoulder Surgery The Atlanta Braves are grappling with a significant setback as starting pitcher Reynaldo López has undergone exploratory arthroscopic surgery on his inflamed right shoulder. The procedure, which revealed no structural damage, will keep López sidelined for at least 12 weeks. Despite this, the Braves remain optimistic about his potential return later in the season, as he was a pivotal member of their rotation last year, posting an impressive 1.99 ERA over 135 2/3 innings. The team had high hopes for him after signing a three-year, $30 million contract in November 2024, but this injury complicates their plans for the current season [https://apnews.com/article/atlanta-braves-reynaldo-lopez-surgery-12c70234d10a77e60eda7f1eb27e2a36][https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/reynaldo-lopez-injury-update-braves-starter-shut-down-for-12-weeks-after-shoulder-surgery]. ### Breakdown of the Current Situation 1. **Surgery and Recovery Timeline** - Reynaldo López underwent shoulder surgery on April 4, 2025, and will be shut down from throwing for 12 weeks, which extends into July [https://www.espn.co.uk/mlb/story/_/id/44591892/braves-reynaldo-lopez-shut-12-weeks-surgery]. - After the recovery period, he will need additional time to ramp up his throwing, potentially delaying his return until August or September [https://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/braves_ugly_start_to_season_gets_worse_with_latest_update_on_starting_pitcher/s1_13237_42023195]. 2. **Impact on the Team** - López was expected to play a crucial role in the Braves' rotation after a successful transition from relief pitching, where he earned an All-Star selection in 2024 [https://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/reynaldo_lopez_undergoes_shoulder_surgery_shut_down_for_12_weeks/s1_17200_42023485]. - The Braves are now forced to consider alternative options for their starting rotation during his absence, which could affect their performance in the early part of the season [https://www.si.com/mlb/braves/news/braves-without-reynaldo-lopez-long-term-01jqt199z9ea]. 3. **Previous Injury History** - This is not the first time López has faced shoulder issues; he spent time on the injured list in 2024 due to similar inflammation [https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6245664/2025/03/31/braves-reynaldo-lopez-shoulder-injury]. - The recurring nature of his shoulder problems raises concerns about his long-term durability and the effectiveness of the Braves' pitching staff [https://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/braves_get_bad_news_on_reynaldo_lopez_injury/s1_16493_41991130]. ### Summary of Findings **Key Takeaways:** 1. **Surgery Outcome**: Reynaldo López's surgery revealed no structural damage, but he will be out for at least 12 weeks, impacting the Braves' rotation significantly [https://apnews.com/article/atlanta-braves-reynaldo-lopez-surgery-12c70234d10a77e60eda7f1eb27e2a36]. 2. **Team Strategy**: The Braves must adapt their strategy to cope with his absence, potentially affecting their performance early in the season [https://www.si.com/mlb/braves/news/braves-without-reynaldo-lopez-long-term-01jqt199z9ea]. 3. **Injury Concerns**: López's history of shoulder issues raises questions about his long-term viability as a starter for the Braves [https://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/braves_get_bad_news_on_reynaldo_lopez_injury/s1_16493_41991130]. In conclusion, while the Braves hold out hope for López's return later in the season, the immediate future looks challenging as they navigate the complexities of their pitching rotation without one of their key players.