BREAKING — The Braves’ bullpen plans for 2026 just took a major hit as Joe Jiménez undergoes another knee procedure.
Atlanta’s offseason took an unexpected turn this week when President of Baseball Operations Alex Anthopoulos announced that reliever Joe Jiménez recently underwent another procedure on his left knee. It’s the second cleanup procedure he’s had within a relatively short span, raising new concerns about the veteran right-hander’s availability for the upcoming season. And with no official timeline expected until Spring Training, the Braves suddenly find themselves staring at uncertainty in a bullpen already facing multiple questions.
Jiménez, entering the final year of his contract and owed $9 million in 2026, was expected to play a significant role in Atlanta’s late-inning structure. His combination of experience, strikeout ability, and reliability against right-handed hitters made him one of the essential stabilizers in a bullpen undergoing a quiet but significant retooling. Now, the club must confront the possibility of beginning the season without him — or navigating a long ramp-up that could disrupt early-season rhythm.
Anthopoulos kept details limited, describing the procedure as routine “cleanup work,” but the phrasing did little to ease the uneasiness. Cleanup surgeries often sound minor, yet repeating them can signal deeper structural wear. For a pitcher entering his age-31 season, each medical update grows more meaningful — and more scrutinized.
Internally, Atlanta had anticipated Jiménez being one of their more reliable options in a bullpen where roles have not fully settled. Losing him, even temporarily, would create a ripple effect. Additional pressure could fall on younger arms not yet tested over full seasons, while the front office may be forced to explore external options sooner than expected. With the NL East shaping up to be one of baseball’s most competitive divisions again, every bullpen inning matters.
Jiménez’s 2025 campaign had its ups and downs, but he remained an important bridge between the starters and the late-inning trio of Raisel Iglesias, A.J. Minter, and Pierce Johnson. His ability to generate swings-and-miss helped Atlanta navigate rough stretches, particularly during periods when injuries stacked up. That reliability was one reason the Braves committed to him financially — and one reason this latest setback lands with extra weight.
The contract component cannot be ignored. At $9 million for the final season of his deal, Jiménez represents a meaningful investment for a bullpen built carefully around cost efficiency. If his return is delayed or limited, the club must decide whether to aggressively add reinforcements or trust internal depth. Neither option is simple.
The fan reaction has reflected that tension. Some worry the recurring knee issue could derail Atlanta’s bullpen stability before the season even begins. Others believe the team’s depth and developmental pipeline will soften the blow. But almost all agree on this: the silence until Spring Training leaves a heavy cloud hanging over what many hoped would be a clean, straightforward offseason.
For Jiménez, the next steps are familiar — rehab, strengthening, and waiting for spring. For the Braves, however, the road ahead is more complicated. One bullpen piece may not define a season, but one unexpected absence can reshape how a contender approaches the months to come.
And as Atlanta waits for clarity, the bullpen picture remains blurry — and the stakes continue to rise.
Leave a Reply