There were concerns regarding Reynaldo Lopez during Spring Training, as the fastball velocity averaged only 93.7 mph. Last season, the fastball averaged 95.7 mph while it was 98.4 mph the year before that, although much of that was as a reliever.
During his first regular season start, the fastball averaged 95.5 mph, but he allowed three earned runs on nine hits while walking two and striking out only one batter.
On Monday, the Braves placed Lopez on the 15-day IL, retroactive to March 29th with right shoulder inflammation.
Bryce Elder has been called up and will get the start on Tuesday.
Elder is 25 years old, 6’2″, 220 pounds and throws from the right side. In 2023, Elder made 31 starts and had a 4.42 FIP in 174.2 innings. While he did a good job of keeping the ball in the park, the strikeout rate was only 17.5% while the K-BB% was only 8.9%. The fastball only averages around 91 mph and the career swinging strike rate is 10%.
