Joe Jimenez was shut down from throwing last week due to renewed soreness in his surgically repaired left knee. This seemed like a major obstacle to Jimenez’s chances of returning to action before the end of the 2025 season, and Braves manager Brian Snitker confirmed today to reporters (including Gabriel Burns of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution) that Jimenez indeed won’t be back in action this year. It also seems like injured starters Reynaldo Lopez and Spencer Schwellenbach have thrown their last pitches of 2025, as Snitker was doubtful either right-hander would be activated from the 60-day injured list before season’s end.
After pitching through knee soreness through much of 2024, Jimenez underwent surgery in late October to address what ended up being rather significant cartilage damage. Jimenez was given a broad recovery timeframe of 8-12 months, so an entirely lost season was always a possibility for the veteran right-hander. Some hopes were raised for a return when Jimenez started throwing bullpen sessions in early July, yet he wasn’t able to advance to the minor league rehab stage before his knee again began bothering him. It doesn’t appear as if the issue is anything beyond mere discomfort, so Jimenez should still be on pace to be fully healthy by the start of Spring Training.
Following six mostly inconsistent seasons with the Tigers, Jimenez hit a new level of performance after Atlanta acquired the reliever in a trade during the 2022-23 offseason. Jimenez posted a 3.04 ERA over 56 1/3 innings with the Braves in 2023, which earned him a three-year, $26MM extension to remain in Atlanta just before he was about to test the free agent market. The first season of that extension saw Jimenez deliver a 2.62 ERA over 68 2/3 frames in 2024, giving him an overall 2.81 ERA, 30.1% strikeout rate, and 7.2% walk rate over 125 total innings in a Braves uniform.
Jimenez’s knee surgery ended up being a harbinger for an injury-riddled season for the Atlanta pitching staff. Spencer Strider (who began the year on the IL recovering from an internal brace surgery) is the only member of the Braves’ first-choice rotation that is currently healthy, as Lopez, Schwellenbach, AJ Smith-Shawver, and reigning NL Cy Young Award winner Chris Sale are all on the 60-day injured list. Sale is the only one of that group that might pitch again in 2025, as he is set to make his second minor league rehab start on Sunday as he tries to work his way back from a ribcage fracture.
Smith-Shawver underwent a Tommy John surgery in June, so his entire 2026 season could be in jeopardy as well as what remained of his 2025 campaign. There isn’t much surprise that Lopez and Schwellenbach have also both been unofficially ruled out, as since the Braves are out of the playoff race, there isn’t much value in having either pitcher go through a full rehab process just to pitch a few meaningless innings in late September.
Lopez made just a single start before undergoing arthroscopic surgery on his right shoulder in early April. This came with a shutdown period of 8-12 weeks, and while Lopez has started throwing, he won’t have time to build up his arm for a full starter’s workload. Burns suggests that if Lopez is able to return, it would only be in a relief role, which might only happen if the Braves are considering moving the right-hander back to the bullpen in the wake of his injury situation. Lopez’s return to a full-time starter’s role in 2024 worked brilliantly when he was healthy (1.99 ERA in 135 2/3 IP), but he dealt with forearm and shoulder issues in the latter part of that season, prior to the surgery that has entirely marred his 2025 season.
Schwellenbach helped paper over some of Atlanta’s rotation woes when he produced a 3.09 ERA over 110 2/3 innings this year, but the injury bug bit him too in the form of a small right elbow fracture in early July. He was almost immediately moved to the 60-day IL in the wake of that injury and isn’t eligible to return until the first week of September at the earliest, but it instead looks like the right-hander will get an early jump on his offseason.
In better injury news, Ronald Acuna Jr. could be activated from the 10-day IL as early as tomorrow. Acuna hasn’t played since suffering a calf strain on July 29, but the star outfielder seems to be on the verge of a relatively quick return. Though Acuna has been limited to 55 games due to his calf injury and his recovery from the torn ACL that prematurely ended his 2024 season, the former NL MVP has still looked to be in superstar form, hitting .306/.429/.577 with 14 home runs in 238 plate appearances.
Braves probably should consider moving Lopez back to the bullpen. However, as they have had to patchwork a rotation together to finish the season they may be too thin on depth to do that
Mark Bowman also has said the same thing — moving Lopez back to the pen. With Holmes also moving from the pen to the rotation, someone needs to be a dominant long RP. Hopefully Waldrep can pickup where AJSS left off and cover that spot. Sale, Strider, Schwell with Holmes/Lopez, though they really need to add an arm and remake the ‘pen almost fully. A lot of work to do for AA.
Lee, Johnson, Bummer, Hernandez, and Kinley are all under control in ’26. Two of Hayden Harris, Lara, and Burkhalter are strong options. Not sure that a “complete remake” on the pen is necessary—especially if Jimenez is healthy and one or both of Homes/Lopez is moved to the pen. Eight arms under control w/Holmes, Lopez, and Jiminez added to the first five. A new manager might opt to be reasonable and not use a designated closer. Lee and Jiminez might be a nice closer combo.
Lee has looked good, but they don’t need to rely on Hernandez/Kinley. Daysbel has a 7.4 BB/9 and it’s never been under a 5. Hopefully Jiminez comes back strong. Burkhalter has not looked good at AAA. Some pieces are there, but they’ll be in need of a closer, so maybe ‘remake’ is hyperbole.
It’s going to be an interesting offseason because they need a few upgrades, but they’ve also got pieces of the puzzle that could fit in different places.
I’d say they almost have to rebuild their back part of the bullpen, but how they do that will influence other parts of the roster. If they do move Lopez and/or Holmes to the pen plus return Jimenez, you may only need to get one solid reliever instead of three.
Similarly if you put those arms in the pen, you could take the money you would’ve had to spend on the pen and give the rotation a much needed boost.
It’s very similar to how they build the offense with Murphy and Baldwin, DH opening and the real need for a shortstop. (Not to mention if theres any possibility at all Ozuna returns).
How they figure out how the pieces fit and where to attack will be fun. It’s almost like how they needed a power bat but no one expected Donaldson back in 2018.
I have to think the Braves will shop Murphy over the winter thanks to Baldwin’s emergence. 3 years and $45 million is a lot for a Catcher who’s not going to Catch every day but not an unmoveable amount in a trade
“Under control” can’t be so easily dismissed. Some—probably most—of those names are going to be the majority of the pen. How about posting your “long list of RP arms” that would make up a “contending World series bullpen.” Try being realistic and consider the current team payroll that’s already set. That will be “something” if you can. I didn’t say I hope that’s what AA ends up with as the pen. Just think it’s likely at least 6 of them will be on the 26 man. Imo, Hernandez, Kinley, and Bummer should be dealt. Keep the rest–Lee, Johnson, Lopez, Jiminez, Holmes, 2 from the mil system and buy a closer.
Don’t buy Helsley………
@Rsox — No shopping Murph. They’ll have savings from Drake and in need of a DH that can easily be Murph/Drake that will allow them more games in theory from rest of not being behind the plate. They haven’t been able to fully utilize Murph’s bat since he’s been a Brave from Ozuna/d’Arnaud (when he was splitting time at DH in Ozuna’s absence). 3/$45M is nothing for one of the better C in baseball and one that’s helping an emerging rotation and young C (Drake). If a team wants to overpay…sure, but I don’t see that happening.
If you ever bring something to a conversation besides insults, generalities, and strawman inflections, I’ll consider your opinions. Do what you want with that.
I don’t think you can count on Holmes or Lopez for the rotation. Holmes has the partial torn UCL and I wouldn’t want to put starters innings on that. Plus with Lopez in his first season back as a starter he only threw 135 innings. Then missed all of this season minus one start. So you can’t count on him for adding many more innings to that number next season. It would be nice to see Holmes and Lopez with their strike outs pitching late meaningful innings out of the bullpen. Add a healthy Jimenez to the back and it’s a much better pen than what we have had this season. Plus then you don’t use Lee and Bummer as much in those high leverage situations.
Braves fans:
It’s my opinion that the Cardinals should trade Lars Nootbaar in the offseason. As I’ve considered a list of potential trade partners, the Braves came to mind. It seems like a good fit because Noot would offer better insurance against injury than Eli White or Kelenic. He could rotate through all three OF positions and DH to keep everybody fresh.
So my question is, who would the Braves be willing to part with to get Noot?
Can’t see the Braves giving up much to acquire a 4th of’er. If they want more than White, free agent 4th of’ers are cheap.
@Nashville Jeff
I appreciate your input. Good win tonight.
Thanks Don. Not saying that Nootbar wouldn’t be a good add—-just doubt AA would pay the kind of return the Cards should expect for him. He’s good when healthy—but you know that better than me, lol.
Elder and a lottery ticket?
@Sid
I’d consider that offer. But if I’m the Cardinals I’m probably going to keep shopping Noot around to see if somebody beats it. The Cardinals definitely need starting pitching for ’26, but I’d probably prefer higher upside even if it’s farther from the majors.
Thank you for your reply.
Not much. Eli White, and Nootbaar are about the same player if they’re both 4th outfielders. Nootbaar has a higher ceiling and should be playing everyday, but we don’t have a spot for him.
Appreciate it. With Ozuna reaching free agency I don’t think the Braves would be forced to deploy him as a traditional 4th outfielder, but I asked the question because you guys would know better than me.
Understood, but they’ll want to fully utilize that DH spot if keeping Drake/Murph in a C/DH tandem, while probably giving Acuña more time off from the OF. If they didn’t have Drake/Baldwin vying for DH ABs, I’d imagine they may want an upgrade at 4th OF to protect them against Acuña and even possibly Profar/Harris II – though both are looking good right now (fingers crossed). They were connected to Buxton at the Deadline…
The chop for Noot. Fair trade.
Hope Schwellenbach is ok
He’s emerged as a great talent
His arm is still schwellen up and he won’t be Bach in 2025.
Maybe the Braves need to consider using other Surgeons than the ones that have been using the past few years. “Have knife, will travel”!
Unfortunately Iglesias was not good early on. However, since 1 June, 25 he’s had 29 appearances and 25 of them are scoreless. If AA can get him on a cheaper contract the Braves should keep him as he is still pretty useful. I have more confidence in him than eg Bummer in that pen.
If the Braves are going to compete they really need to solidify the pen. Kinley looks ok so far, Reynaldo if he goes to the pen has really good stuff, but who knows how he bounces back, the same with Jimenez.
I can’t have either Jimenez or Lee closing as I want them as 7th 8th inning options, and after a year missed by Jimenez he will be an unknown quantity as well. For me, the question is who can close.
The other question is that Profar and Harris have to be more consistent. I was not impressed when they let Laureano walk, and look at his season, he has absolutely raked. Whether that will be his career year is another question, but I wish they had have kept him.
A lot of people have been down on Ozuna but of course he’s been affected by his hip, but his OBP is high, and on many occasions he should have walked more only to be rung up on plenty of occasions by poor calls by blue. I never agreed with Murphy being DH in front of him, that was a joke.
Shortstop-where do you go with that?
Ozzie will probably be kept, he really needs to go away and work hard on his hitting, I don’t know if it was Hyers or what has happened with Ozzie.
Riley has been affected by injury, so he needs to get well and pick up his old form. I just can’t see AA making too many moves, but who knows.
Baldwin has to play everyday, so what do you do with Murphy, keep him?
Right now, if Freddie had chosen to be a Brave for life, the Braves would’ve had Baldwin and Langliers, what a nice thought…
Last but not least, I’d love to see Ron Washington as Mgr of the Braves if his health permits, if not, Ross, DeRosa, or Terry Pendleton thanks.
Although the legend TP has not managed, he has plenty of experience and I believe he will bring a level of toughness to the group of players.
When Wash came in and did all these other things like working with INF, some remarked that TP seemed relatively lazy in comparison. I wouldn’t sleep on Eddie Perez. I do think Wash would be a great fit but I don’t think it’s happening. In regards to Langeliers I think he would have been traded for something else anyway but I have thought the same in that if they managed to get Olson for that package they could have maybe used it for some other need if they could have kept Freddie (then again the A’s were making some weird deals). As for Ozzie he is such a a key part of the club (the heart of the team it has been said) but there are so many players here that are inconsistent and unreliable that it’s hard to have Ozzie as well. That said they need so much (SS,SP,RP) that idk how many moves could be made. I think the Derosa thing is not happening. Going from Snitker (a 50 year vet) to a tv personality with basically no experience coaching (outside of WBC) is not likely. I could see bringing Ozuna back (he’ll be cheaper than they’d have thought) if they traded Murphy (I do like having two catchers but I also don’t like having another inconsistent hitter like Murphy on a team like this). But even if they traded Murphy it would be easier to attract a good OF option if you could guarantee some at bats. The Braves bench is always weak partially because they have trouble attracting anyone to a team with no clear path to playing time.
It could be Walt too, he’s a big chance, and I also wouldn’t mind Skip Schumaker. I did like what I saw from David Ross, and I thought he was quite unfairly treated by the Cubs.
I agree with you about Terry Pendleton and Wash, would be happy with either one.
I don’t think Langeliers had a chance of sticking w/the Braves. Shortly after he was drafted, he changed agents. Hired Boras. The Braves don’t typically employ Boras clients.
Upton was just a horrible signing. Its a lot different though. Upton was an overpay for a player with a risky offensive profile whereas Profar was more trying to get a steal/bargain and just believing in the big adjustments he made to his swing (doesn’t hurt that he was a huge prospect once upon a time). I’m not big on the Profar deal but he’s been solid under difficult circumstances and it’s not a ton of money in today’s game so it could end up being a solid deal.
Ozuna is a dh, that is all you get. I like him, he’s going to average 25-30 homers. He can not run, can not throw a ball, you going to pay 15 million for that. I would keep Eli White as 4th outfielder plays excellent defense, do not know why Snit does not play him more with Acuna out.
I do not know why Snit does a lot of the things he does actually, would love Pendleton or Wash, they both bring little fire with them.
Don’t hold your breath.
You’ve got to love the last two Braves wins, inflicting pain on the Mets, and now the Mets cannot win the season series irrespective of the next 3 games v Braves. I have to say they were really good wins as well, and great to see what Ozzie did, looking like his old self, the pitch he hit for a double off Helsley was not a bad pitch at all.
Iggy hitting 98 on the clock looked like his 2024 version, and in fact, if you look closely at his stats he’s not that far off them, except for his early season bloop, and giving up the extra home runs, everything else is decent given the fact that the early on stats are contributors to his HR/9 being way up and H/9 being up. He’s still worth keeping I think.
Bryce was pretty good as well, if only he could be consistently like that he’s going to keep you in games.
Do you let Ozuna walk and go after Kyle Tucker? He can DH and also play OF. There are some interesting decisions ahead.
They are playing well because there’s no pressure. We’ve seen what they do under pressure. They wilt.
Casual Braves fans are realizing just how valuable Jimenez was last year.