ATLANTA — For the first time in years, Reynaldo López says his right shoulder feels completely normal. That simple statement carries enormous weight for the Atlanta Braves as they shape their pitching plans for next season.
On Friday afternoon at Truist Park, the 30-year-old right-hander climbed atop the mound for his second bullpen session since undergoing shoulder surgery earlier this year. He fired 20 pitches with crisp mechanics and, most importantly, without a trace of discomfort. The session marked another encouraging step in a deliberate rehab program that now calls for five more bullpens before he faces live hitters once in the offseason.
“It’s the best my arm has felt in a long time,” López told reporters, smiling as he flexed his shoulder. “For several years I just managed the pain and tried to compete. Now I can throw free and easy again.”
The Braves signed López before the 2024 season for his electric fastball and swing-and-miss stuff, but recurring shoulder soreness limited him to sporadic appearances and eventually forced surgery. A healthy López could change the complexion of Atlanta’s staff, giving manager Brian Snitker a versatile weapon who can start or dominate in a high-leverage relief role.
“I love starting,” López said, “but I’ll do whatever the team needs. The important thing is to help us win.”
Pitching coach Rick Kranitz praised the right-hander’s command and tempo during the workout. “The ball was coming out of his hand the way we remember,” Kranitz said. “The fact that he’s pain-free is huge. We’ll keep building him up and see where he fits best.”
Teammates who watched from the side agreed the difference was obvious. “The life on his fastball was back,” catcher Sean Murphy noted. “You can tell he feels good.”
Atlanta’s rotation already features established arms like Spencer Strider and Max Fried, but injuries and workload concerns have underscored the need for depth. A rejuvenated López could either slot into the back end of the rotation or provide multi-inning relief, a valuable option in today’s bullpen-heavy postseason landscape.
For now, the Braves will proceed cautiously. López is scheduled for a series of controlled bullpen sessions over the next few weeks, with one live-hitter appearance before shutting down for the winter. If his progress continues, he is expected to report to spring training without restrictions.
“It’s exciting to think about what he can bring next year,” Snitker said. “Having another power arm—whether as a starter or reliever—makes us a stronger club.”
For López, the focus remains on each step rather than the big picture. “I’m just grateful to feel healthy again,” he said. “Everything else will take care of itself.”
If Friday’s 20 pain-free pitches are any indication, the Braves may soon have a revitalized pitcher ready to play a pivotal role in their 2025 campaign.
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