It’s been more than a year since right-hander Joe Jimenez pitched in a big league game. The now-31-year-old righty was terrific for the Braves in 2023-24, pitching to a combined 2.81 ERA and compiling 40 holds and three saves while fanning 30.1% of opponents against a 7.2% walk rate. Jimenez missed the entire 2025 season after undergoing surgery to repair cartilage in his left knee and underwent a second “cleanup” procedure this past November.
Atlanta transferred Jimenez to the 60-day injured list as soon as camp opened — thereby clearing a roster spot for the reacquisition of infielder Brett Wisely — but it sounds like the team is bracing for a potential absence much longer than two months. Manager Walt Weiss told the team’s beat yesterday that Jimenez is dealing with a “very complex injury” while explaining that he’s not sure whether Jimenez will be available at all during the upcoming season (link via Mark Bowman of MLB.com).
Obviously, there’s no timetable for Jimenez’s return at present. His absence is both a notable loss in the bullpen — where he’d join Robert Suarez as a key setup arm for closer Raisel Iglesias — and a weight on the club’s payroll. Jimenez signed a three-year, $26MM contract immediately following the 2023 season. He gave Atlanta one excellent year in 2024 but could now miss the entirety of years two and three on that contract. He’s being paid $9MM this year for a Braves club that’s about $20MM over the luxury threshold, per RosterResource. Jimenez will become a free agent at season’s end.
There’s better news on the health front when it comes to righty Grant Holmes. The 29-year-old was diagnosed with a partial tear of the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow last July and opted to rehab the injury rather than the more commonly taken route of UCL surgery (be it Tommy John surgery or an internal brace procedure).
Chad Bishop of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution writes that Holmes is full-go in spring training and hasn’t had any setbacks in his recovery. He expects to build up as a starting pitcher but said he’ll be open to whatever role the organization has in store for him. President of baseball ops Alex Anthopoulos tells Bishop that Holmes had a “normal” offseason and called his progression a “significant change” relative to where things stood back in July.
Holmes’ health will be all the more pivotal in the wake of continued elbow troubles for fellow righty Spencer Schwellenbach, who’s already been placed on the 60-day IL due to bone spurs in his elbow and implied this week that he will likely require an arthroscopic procedure.
A former first-round pick, Holmes joined the Braves as a minor league free agent back in 2022. He’s since re-signed on a pair of minor league deals and eventually pitched his way onto the big league roster. He hasn’t looked back. Holmes broke out with a 3.56 ERA and terrific rate stats through 68 1/3 innings with the ’24 Braves and followed up with 115 frames of 3.99 ERA ball out of the rotation last season. His results and his command eroded over his final few starts, however, prompting the team to take a look at his elbow and discover the damage. If he’s back to full strength, he’ll give the Braves a rotation option alongside Chris Sale, Spencer Strider, Reynaldo Lopez, Hurston Waldrep and others; Atlanta is also actively exploring the market for veteran starters.
Elsewhere in camp, infielder Nacho Alvarez Jr. is adding a new and unexpected skill to his repertoire. In a separate piece, Bishop writes that the 22-year-old third baseman (23 in April) quietly began working out as a catcher during the Arizona Fall League. He’s still only acclimating to the position and isn’t going to be a catching option come Opening Day, but Alvarez said he views the experiment as a means of putting “an extra tool in the toolbox” as he looks to carve out a big league role.
“It’s a nice piece to have, for us, and for (Alvarez) — for his career, really,” Weiss tells Bishop. “We look at him as an infielder, first, but we’re just introducing it to him and he’s handling it well so far.”
Alvarez is clearly blocked at the hot corner by Austin Riley, who’s entering the fourth season of a ten-year, $212MM contract. He’s played plenty of shortstop in the minor leagues, but the Braves used him exclusively at third base and second base last season despite lacking an obvious big league answer at short, likely indicating they don’t feel he can be a real option there.
In 240 big league plate appearances, Alvarez carries a tepid .216/.277/.298 batting line. The 2022 fifth-rounder shot quickly through the minor leagues, however, and is still younger than most big leaguers when they make their debut despite already having 66 games under his belt. In the 82 games he’s played at the Triple-A level, Alvarez touts a stout .288/.399/.440 slash with 11 homers, 12 doubles, a triple, 10 steals and nearly as many walks (48) as strikeouts (60), so it’s easy to see why Atlanta is eager to expand his versatility and find additional ways to mix him in at the big league level. There’s no telling when or even whether he’ll be even an emergency catching option in the majors, but it’s nonetheless notable that the team is embarking on the experiment.
Atlanta has the worst injury luck ever.
It would also suck for Joe if his career is over with this strange injury that doesn’t seem like it should derail someone.
According to Sportrac, Braves players ranked 8th when converting the days by player into dollars
spotrac.com/mlb/injured/_/year/2025/view/team
@Sunday Lasagna I’d be more interested in WAR lost to injuries.
The dollar figure isn’t as relevant because the Braves don’t have overpriced players like Trout or Wheeler that would askew the numbers that way.
Even WAR wouldn’t be accurate, but closer to reality
Tepid offensive production indeed…and that’s being nice.
It’s a business, but a slightly cold analysis of the Jimenez situation, Atlanta is not a poor franchise, it’s not like he’s dogging it, and it would be shame if an injury about which not a lot seems to be clear, could derail his career. We forget sometimes when we focus on dollars that there are players who “just can’t” no matter how hard they rehab.
Holmes is really important to us this year. We are gonna need him as a starter it looks like.
In other words, 2026 will be exactly like 2025 for the Braves..
Alex needs to just sign Giolito now. The Braves seem to have more depth this year than last with Wentz, Waldrep, Ritchie, Elder and Perez, but missing out on Verlander and Bassitt makes adding a more reliable starter harder to come by now.
Giolito had elbow issues that prevented him from pitching for Boston in the playoffs. Maybe they don’t believe he’s healthy. No need to add another injured pitcher to the rotation. Current projections claim he’ll sign a 2 year deal worth $43M w/a 3rd year option, but doubt that’s realistic. Pass. Better off w/current depth or trade options.
So do a physical with emphasis on the elbow.
Another FA who claims good health because of a favorable off season physical. Yeah…..that’s a first. My point stands. No reason for the Braves to sign him. They’ve got more than enough injury risk in their pitching staff.
So don’t sign a pitcher because our rotation is already riddled with injury risks? Am I understanding your argument correctly? That’s a bold strategy cotton….I will say you’ve been banging the table all off-season to ignore SP-ing, at least your consistent no matter the cost of basic reasoning lol.
Trouble w/reading comprehension? Try to follow…..I said don’t sign Giolito because he missed much of September w/the Sox due to an elbow issue. He wasn’t able to pitch in the playoffs due to an ELBOW ISSUE. He was injured. Again—Don’t sign that particular injured pitcher because we’ve already got injury issues to deal with and DON’T NEED ANOTHER ONE. Understand that basic reasoning? I also mentioned (in the same post)that they should seek pitching help in the TRADE MARKET. Is that ignoring a need for starting pitching? I’ve been consistent in saying that I don’t want them to waste salary on long term FA pitchers. Haven’t advocated against dealing for pitching.
@Homer: How many times do I have to say that I prefer trading for pitching over signing expensive long term FA deals? That doesn’t equate to ignoring a need for starting pitching. I advocated in a post below that the Braves should try to deal for Severino if they could get the A’s to eat some of his $23.5M salary. Is that an example of me ignoring a need for starting pitching? I’ve been consistent in my belief (and statements on here) that the Braves have quality pitching depth and that if they decide to add more they should trade for it instead of buying it in the FA market.
Just sign Giolito already sheesh, he’s the last pitcher left with any upside at all over just an innings eater. The Braves have a need and he fills that need. Period….Come on AA get it done, if for nothing else just so I don’t have to hear NashvilleJeff tell us how right he is all the time lol
Yeah sign a pitcher w/an injured elbow so I don’t have to listen to homer whine about the Braves not signing the awful FA pitcher he wants. Don’t trade for a decent pitcher AA. Btw, I’ve never once said I’m “right all the time” about anything. I have disagreed w/your opinions, lies, and insults though. LOL.
I can see why the Braves don’t have a broadcasting partner.
Do tell.
I’m sure there was a time they thought the 2026 team would be Murphy catching and Baldwin DH. And then just not carry another catcher and have Nacho for emergencies.
Braves need to add another starter. Martin Perez and Carlos Carrasco are both on hand as NRI’s but Lucas Giolito or Walker Buehler or Zac Gallen would be better options for this team if they are trying to contend
The Buehler that the Sox dumped because he was a train wreck? Only on a mil deal—-if that. The Giolito who couldn’t pitch in the playoffs for the Sox because of elbow issues? Too much injury risk in their rotation now. Gallen who was lousy in 2025 and has a QO attached to him? Braves won’t give up the PPI pick gained from Baldwin’s ROY win. Imo, the Braves have no interest in those 3. They’re also not counting on Carrasco to be anything more than a mil mentor for their AAA staff. Agree that the “Braves need to add another starter”, but you should have stopped there. Best bet is AA trades for an arm. Severino’s my guess. Braves and Oakland are frequent trade partners, Severino’s been vocal about being unhappy there, the Braves new pitching coach (Hefner) got good results w/Severino w/the Mets. This is a match.
I think Severino is a good fit, but his 23.5M AAV would push the Braves right up against the 3rd level of the CBT. The A’s would need to take on some of the salary.
Yep. A’s eating salary in the deal is a must. How much depends on the prospect return coming their way.
Didn’t the Phillies resign Walker?
Walker’s in the last season of his 4 year $72M deal.
I think MLB needs a 180-day IL. The pay of players on the 180 wouldn’t count toward the CBT.
That’s something both sides could agree on in the next CBA negotiations. Waiting for someone to claim it’s a bad idea, lol.
What type of contract would Zach Littel command? I would prefer him over Giolito.
Saw something mentioned recently that he’d get around $10M on a 1 year deal. Not sure if I read it on here. Google AI says he’s projected to get a 2 year deal at $9-$12M a year.
I would love for a signing just to stir the pot with MIA (and new GM Gabe Kapler), whom had a disagreement back with SF. Sure, it’s water under a burned bridge, ay? Would love to stoke that fire and get a few more ticks on the radar gun.
I could get on board with that. That feels much safer to me than taking a chance on Giolito’s health.
It’s starting to look like a trade for a starter might be in order. Really nobody left on the FA market who would move the needle. Might have to sacrifice a couple young prospects.
What kind of return would Austin Riley and Sean Murphy yield from the Red Sox?
Marcelo Mayer, Johan Oviedo, Henry Godbout and Harold Rivas has potential.
Another unrealistic—and terrible—- trade proposal. Congrats on your consistency.
The Braves are trying to contend in 2026. I don’t think they would sell low on either of these guys, let alone both.
The Braves aren’t rebuilding. Riley’s not being dealt, and Murphy won’t be either until he regains healthy status.
Id make that trade from the Braves side without hesitation. Boston’s side is where the risk lies.
Hilarious. Those 4 don’t come close to getting Riley much less both of them. I know you’d make that trade. I’ve seen your other trade proposals on the site.
I was thinking too much but now Im convinced that it is a fair deal for Boston.
Of course you do. You’re a Sox homer. A prospect who can’t stay healthy, a back of the rotation starter, the Sox #11 and #18 prospects, lol. Braves laugh you off the phone.
Im no Red Sox fan and I see it the way I see it.
The Red Sox should keep Mayer, Anthony and Mayer are good together, and Mayer is the sort of player who excels in the right situation.
My trade was for Oviedo first and foremost and I like Godbout, his numbers at UVA pop to me. Rivas is a good prospect too.
The more I feel that trade out, the more I don’t like it because I get the sense that Mayer is ready to take 3B in Boston and deserves a long look. If the Red Sox see it that way, Riley isnt a good fit. Winning games sometimes about more than jamming the lineup with statlines and Mayer is a good fit in Boston.
Braves need to add MI and SP. Dubon and Albies up the middle this year – woof.
I do think its Bryce Elder’s year. I also think Lopez and Holmes both should be in the bullpen. With Sale’s injury history, the Braves rotation is in a precarious spot.
Sale
Strider
Waldrep
Perez
Elder
That’s the way I see it. They could use another starter to replace Sale when he inevitably hits the IR.
In the end, NashvilleJeff, you are correct, its a bad trade but not for any of the reasons that you presented.
Elder’s behind Lopez, Holmes, and possibly Ritchie in the rotation pecking order. W/no mil options left, there’s a decent chance he’s dealt or dfa unless they keep him as the bp long man. Perez is in camp on a mil deal. Again—–The Braves aren’t dealing Riley and Murphy for a back of the rotation starter (Oviedo), Mayer who’s only shown that to this point he can’t stay healthy enough to crack a starting lineup, and the Sox #11 and #18 prospects. Rivas hasn’t even played stateside yet, and prospect evaluators ding Godbout for his lack of physical development. The Braves wouldn’t make that deal even if they were rebuilding. The only player of moderate interest in it is Mayer. Btw—-if Mayer’s ready to start at 3B for Boston, why did they deal for Durbin? Maybe they’re considering moving Story to 2B and Mayer to SS?
I prefer my perspective. Oviedo is going to be a 2. Godbout is going to be a real good player.
Holmes tender elbow and Lopez surgically repaired shoulder are safe bets throwing 70 innings out of the bullpen and this is Elder’s year, he pitched a couple good games last season.
If the Braves are looking to trade Elder, you’ll expose a savvy GM on the team that acquires his rights.
No way Riley’s going anywhere. But wouldn’t shock me if Murphy isn’t dealt. Kind of a logjam between Profar and a catcher who DH’s vs right handed pitching. Right now either Profar or a catcher sits vs RH pitching. Murphy trade may have to wait until he gets back and establishes health.
The Braves are Rebuilding!
Health Care and Surgical Centers!
Trade Rumors please run an explainer on insurance against injuries – seems variable across teams and players? Common/uncommon etc?
Sigh. Atlanta worked Nacho and 3b and 2b last year because Riley got hurt and Albies continues to not meet expectations. The Braves have ZERO near term prospects at any of those three positions, so getting Nacho time at all three makes perfect sense. As bad as SS was, Nacho needs to be able to play whatever position was needed when called. He grades out well defensively at SS on every worthwhile scouting site. Go look. Great hands, solid glove, good arm, average range. He makes standard plays look just that, but won’t be a highlight film.
So tired of the ‘the Braves have given up on him at SS’ stuff. Show me a quote anywhere from the Braves saying that. Then go find all the info on his ability to play SS., Hint, you will not find the first. You will only find people making assumptions.
The Braves didn’t play him at SS after sending him back to Gwinnett for the rest of 2024 after his weak MLB debut. They didn’t play him at SS at Gwinnett in 2025. He didn’t play SS when he was recalled to Atlanta. He did play a few games at SS in the Arizona Fall league in 2025. Imo, he did so to showcase him as a utility trade piece. If the Braves haven’t “given up on him at SS,” then why have they refused to play him at the position in AAA over the last year and a half despite having no other real options at the position? He’s basically been a 3rd baseman since 2024. Injury replacement at 2B in a small part time role that didn’t last long during Albies absence in 2025. The Braves even acquired Wisely instead of playing Alvarez at 2B and even played Allen there after acquiring Kim. Disagree that he has “average range” at SS. Definitely doesn’t at 2B. No need for a quote from the Braves. Actions speak louder than words, and Alvarez action has been mostly as a 3rd baseman. Not assuming that the Braves have only played him as a 3rd baseman for the better part of the last year and a half. It’s a fact.
Hopefully, Jimenez will have a speedy recovery. I was looking forward to seeing him, Suarez, and Iggy in the 7-8-9 roles.