The Atlanta Braves (who hold the best record in MLB) opened up a three-game series with the Seattle Mariners on Monday night. Atlanta lost 5-4, which was in part due to a bullpen collapse.
However, the Braves should return the services of closer Raisel Iglesias (who is on the IL with a shoulder injury) very soon. Manager Walt Weiss provided an update on Raisel Iglesias during the Mariners series, which is good news for Atlanta.
UPDATE: The Braves have reinstated Raisel Iglesias from the 15-day IL, and designated Carlos Carrasco for assignment.
GettyAtlanta Braves closer Raisel Iglesias reacts during a game as the team announced a surprising update on his status ahead of Atlanta’s matchup against the Washington Nationals.
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Braves Manager Walt Weiss Gives Raisel Iglesias Status Update
Per Braves reporter Mark Bowman, the Braves may wait until Wednesday to use Raisel Iglesias in a game, but a final decision has not been made yet:
“Weiss said they might wait until Wednesday to activate Iglesias, but that was before the pen was an issue last night. Assuming Iggy is activated and Carrasco is DFA’d, the Braves would have at least 5 relievers available tonight. Kinley and Bummer won’t be available. The question is whether Martin Perez will be. Weiss said Perez may need to make a start this week.”
Before the Mariners game on Tuesday, the Braves announced that Iglesias has been reinstated.
CBSSports writes (on May 5): “Iglesias is first eligible for activation Tuesday and is ready to return, but he could be delayed a day depending on how Atlanta decides to handle its roster. The veteran closer has missed the last two weeks of action with right shoulder inflammation. When Iglesias is activated, he’ll regain his closer job and push Robert Suarez back to a setup role.”
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More on Raisel Iglesias…
GettyRaisel Iglesias #26 of the Atlanta Braves reacts with Drake Baldwin #30 following the 6-5 victory over the Miami Marlins at Truist Park on April 14, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
Since joining the Atlanta Braves in 2022, Raisel Iglesias has been flat-out dominant and one of the best closers in MLB. He put together back-to-back campaigns (2023, 2024) with 33+ saves, and then recorded 29 saves for Atlanta last season in what was a disappointing year for the Braves.
Over parts of five seasons with Atlanta, Iglesias holds a 2.26 ERA with 102 saves and 250 strikeouts.
So far this season, Raisel Iglesias has five saves and has not surrendered a run over 8.2 total innings pitched. With some of the years he’s put together, it’s kind of surprising that he has yet to be named an All-Star in his career. In 2024, Iglesias held a 1.95 ERA over 69+ innings.
He’s been a crucial part of the Braves’ bullpen, and Atlanta will gladly welcome his services back once he’s healthy and ready to go. Atlanta has a 25-11 record, so there isn’t any rush to bring him back at this current moment, and Robert Suarez has slotted in very nicely in the ninth-inning role while Iglesias has been sidelined.
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Update: Atlanta Braves Reinstate Raisel Iglesias During Mariners Series