The season may be over, but 2024 couldn’t resist one last chance to see another Brave go down with an injury.
The offseason has just started, but the Atlanta Braves are already facing changes to their needs for next season. As reported by Justin Toscano of the AJC, Braves setup pitcher Joe Jiménez recently underwent surgery on his left knee to address cartilage damage, potentially sidelining him for up to a year.
Update: Jiménez had the procedure on October 29, performed by Dr. Brian Cole in Chicago. His recovery timeline is estimated at 8 to 12 months.
This injury is yet another disappointment for Braves fans in 2024, as the season continues to deliver unfortunate turns for the team. The 29-year-old Jiménez reportedly dealt with knee issues throughout the season, but neither he nor the team grasped the full severity until after surgery.
Jiménez was a reliable presence in Atlanta’s strong bullpen, pitching 68.2 innings with an impressive 2.62 ERA. By fWAR, he was the Braves’ top-performing reliever, ending the season with a 1.8 WAR.
