The Atlanta Braves’ 2025 season has begun with a series of unfortunate events, compounded by their current series against the formidable Los Angeles Dodgers. Their opening four-game sweep by the San Diego Padres set a troubling tone, which was further exacerbated by the news of Jurickson Profar’s 80-game suspension for a banned substance, announced just before their Monday game against the Dodgers.
Atlanta Braves Move All-Star Pitcher To IL Ahead of Wednesday’s Game Against Los Angeles Dodgers
Adding to their woes, All-Star starting pitcher Reynaldo Lopez, initially slated to start Wednesday’s game, was placed on the injured list due to right shoulder inflammation. Bryce Elder will now take his place on the mound.
Lopez, 31, had a challenging season debut, allowing three earned runs on nine hits in five innings. However, his 2024 performance, featuring a 1.99 ERA over 135.2 innings and 148 strikeouts, earned him his first All-Star appearance and an 11th-place finish in Cy Young voting. His absence will necessitate adjustments to the Braves’ rotation. Elder, who struggled with a 6.52 ERA in 49.2 innings last year, will now be tasked with attempting to stabilize the team’s struggling start.
The Braves’ pitching challenges continue with Chris Sale, the reigning NL Cy Young award winner, taking the mound against the Dodgers’ right-handed-heavy lineup, albeit without Freddie Freeman. Should Sale fail to secure a victory, the responsibility of preventing an 0-7 start will fall to Elder.
Meanwhile, Los Angeles is aiming to extend their undefeated streak to 7-0, further highlighting the stark contrast in the teams’ early-season fortunes.