Atlanta Braves starter Reynaldo Lopez shocked everyone when he became one of the best pitchers on the team in 2024. Lopez was originally expected to be a bullpen arm, so it surprised everyone learning he was announced as a starter that season.
He pitched well enough to earn his first All-Star selection and was in the Cy Young conversation early on. However, his shoulder didn't seem to handle that return to starting well, as he landed on the IL with shoulder issues multiple times.
Lopez's injury issues also plagued him after one start in 2025, and we learned he needed surgery on his right shoulder.