In what has been the most pleasant surprise for the Atlanta Braves this season, and perhaps throughout all of baseball, Reynaldo Lopez has not only thrived as a starting pitcher but has earned a spot as a National League All-Star. Making his debut season with the Braves memorable, Lopez boasts a 7-3 record and an impressive 1.88 ERA across 17 starts. Initially pegged as the team’s fifth starter, Lopez has surpassed expectations.
While Lopez, a seasoned 30-year-old right-hander from the Dominican Republic, is no stranger to Major League Baseball, this year has been particularly remarkable. A pivotal factor in his resurgence was his wife, Jhilaris, who played a crucial role in his decision-making process during the offseason. In a meeting with his agent Gio Rodriguez, she advocated for finding a team that would allow Lopez to start once again. Atlanta answered that call.
Prior to joining the Braves, Lopez had primarily pitched out of the bullpen since his last stint as a starter in 2019 with the Chicago White Sox. Despite performing well in relief roles for various teams afterwards, Jhilaris’ insight proved prescient: “You see? As a reliever, you were not going to make the All-Star Game,” she noted, as reported by The Athletic. Lopez, now halfway through the first year of a three-year contract with Atlanta, appears to be settling in comfortably.
Lopez’s standout performance this season has earned him a place alongside fellow Braves Chris Sale, Max Fried, and Marcell Ozuna at the All-Star Game in Texas. If he maintains his current form, Braves fans may hope Lopez remains with the team indefinitely.
Reynaldo Lopez can thank his wife Jhilaris for being a first-time All-Star
Last season, Braves Country saw another right-handed starting pitcher, Bryce Elder, have a strong first half, earning him a spot in the Midsummer Classic alongside fireballer Spencer Strider. However, Elder’s subsequent performance has been inconsistent since his time at Triple-A Gwinnett, and Strider is now sidelined for the season due to an elbow injury. As history shows, a lot can change in baseball…
In contrast, Reynaldo Lopez’s tenure in Atlanta appears poised to be different for several reasons. Throughout this season, Lopez has consistently delivered outstanding performances in nearly every start. Even on days when the offense struggles, his quality starts have provided the Braves a chance to compete effectively. Moreover, Lopez brings a wealth of experience as a nine-year MLB veteran, distinguishing him from Elder, who was a rookie last year.
Lopez’s standout performances, combined with Chris Sale’s excellence in the starting rotation, have been a welcome relief for Braves Country during what has otherwise been a frustrating first half. The team has faced challenges with an underperforming offense, relying heavily on their starting pitchers and bullpen to keep games competitive. As the team prepares for the second half of the season, Lopez has certainly earned his place in the National League All-Star lineup.
Reflecting on his decision to pursue a starting role with Atlanta, it’s clear that Lopez’s choice to step away from relief pitching has significantly benefited the Braves. His presence has been instrumental in bolstering the team’s competitiveness this season.
