Atlanta Braves Announce Reynaldo Lopez Change Ahead of Nationals Game

Getty

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - JULY 26: Reynaldo López #40 of the Atlanta Braves pitches in the first inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on July 26, 2026 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)

The Atlanta Braves are currently taking on the Washington Nationals in a four-game set this weekend.

The Braves have already taken the first two games of the series and will go for the series win on Saturday.

With both lineups already released, the Braves have made a last-minute change regarding starter Reynaldo Lopez.

More MLB on Heavy: Atlanta Braves Announce Drake Baldwin Decision Before Nationals Game

Reynaldo Lopez Scratched Last-Minute on Saturday

GettyATLANTA, GEORGIA – JULY 21: Reynaldo Lopez #40 of the Atlanta Braves pitches during the second inning against the San Diego Padres at Truist Park on July 21, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)

@UnderdogMLB wrote (on 8/1):

“Reynaldo López (knee) scratched Saturday. Martín Pérez will start.”

Reynaldo López just returned to the Braves starting rotation, but has dealt with injuries already this season, so a last-minute change due to a knee injury isn’t a great sign.

The Atlanta Braves X account wrote:

“RHP Reynaldo López has been scratched from tonight’s game due to left knee inflammation. LHP Martín Pérez will now start.”

The pitching change comes just about 30 minutes before first pitch.

Looking at Reynaldo Lopez This Season

GettyATLANTA, GEORGIA – JULY 1: Reynaldo Lopez #40 of the Atlanta Braves pitches during the first inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at Truist Park on July 1, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)

Reynaldo was thought to be a key starter for the Atlanta Braves this season. He was briefly moved into a bullpen role before being brought back to the starting rotation around a month ago.

In 2025, Lopez dealt with severe injuries, which limited him to just 5 IP.

This season, Lopez has appeared in 24 games (11 starts), and across 70+ innings, he holds an ERA of 3.64 with 66 strikeouts.

All things considered, those are solid numbers for a starter/reliever, and this recent injury pop-up should spark concern, as Lopez could now be heading to the IL in the next few days.

More MLB on Heavy: Atlanta Braves Predicted to Trade for Angels’ Jose Soriano