This week, the Braves are hosting the Brewers before heading out on a West Coast road trip to face the Giants, Rockies, and Angels. They will then return to Atlanta for a crucial series against the division-leading Phillies. Fortunately, they should have reinforcements in the form of Reynaldo Lopez and Michael Harris II before this important matchup.
Brian Snitker informed Atlanta reporters on Tuesday that Harris is expected to return on August 14 as he starts his rehab assignment, while Lopez is slated to come back on August 18 after taking a step towards rejoining the Braves’ rotation by playing catch today.
Reynaldo López began playing catch today.
— Justin Toscano (@JustinCToscano) August 6, 2024
Lopez and Harris are both All-Star players, but the team needs Harris’ return more urgently. While the rotation can manage without Lopez, his comeback is well-timed for the series against the Phillies. Conversely, the Braves’ outfield is in dire need of Harris’ presence.
For Lopez, his time off might have been beneficial. With no more than 66 innings pitched since 2019 and recent forearm tightness suggesting potential fatigue, a period of rest could help him regain strength for the final stretch of the season.
