Atlanta Braves adjust rotation as Lopez returns and Elder undergoes surgery

The Atlanta Braves are making adjustments to their pitching rotation as the postseason approaches. Reynaldo Lopez is set to be activated from the 15-day injured list on Wednesday to start against the Tampa Bay Rays. Lopez returns after a six-week absence caused by left knee inflammation.

Meanwhile, starting pitcher Bryce Elder has undergone surgery to address bone fragments in his right knee. Manager Walt Weiss stated that the procedure, a scope, is expected to require a three-to-four-week recovery period. The team expressed hope that the surgery will allow Elder to be available for the postseason. Elder had been pitching through the injury since the All-Star break.

To accommodate these changes during a dense stretch of 22 games in 23 days, the Braves intend to utilize a six-man rotation featuring Chris Sale, Tyler Mahle, Grant Holmes, Martin Perez, and AJ Smith-Shawver. Elder is expected to move to the bullpen temporarily during his recovery process.