The Rise of Reynaldo López

Reynaldo López has arguably been better than anyone expected he could be in 2024

Patrick Gorski-USA TODAY Sports

When the Atlanta Braves needed a hero the most, they found one in a very unlikely source. On November 20, 2023, the Braves picked up a free-agent pitcher who elected free agency after spending time with three different teams last season. 

When he was picked up, many predicted that Reynaldo López would be mainly used as a reliever out of the bullpen. Alex Anthopoulos and Brian Snitker had other plans. The Braves brass decided to give him a shot as a starting pitcher. He was used in the bullpen by the Cleveland Guardians and the Los Angeles Angels, two teams that acquired him last season after being traded by the Chicago White Sox, but back in 2021, he spent most of his time as a starter for the White Sox. 

The last time he started for an entire season was in 2019. He finished the season 10-15 with a 5.38 ERA. With the Braves having questions during the offseason as to who their fifth starter would be, they gave López a shot. 

During Spring Training, López participated in a pitcher's duel with A.J. Smith-Shawver and Bryce Elder for the fifth spot in the rotation. He won the role in the end. He carried that confidence into the regular season and he has been the best starter the Braves have had so far.

In two starts, López is 1-0 with a 0.75 ERA. He has only allowed seven hits and one earned run over 12 innings of work while striking out 11 hitters and walking five over that stretch. The Braves needed him to fill the role as the No. 5 starting pitcher and he has done that very well. Now, they need him even more with the news that Spencer Strider is out for the season.