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Braves’ Bryce Elder Knee Surgery, Reynaldo López Replaces

9/9/2026

3 1 Full Breakdown

Summary

Bryce Elder Surgery

Bryce Elder underwent knee surgery and will miss three to four weeks.
The surgery removed bone fragments that caused his right-knee discomfort since the All-Star break.
Reynaldo López will replace Elder in the Braves’ rotation and is slated to start Wednesday.
The Braves are 85-69, leading the NL East by four games with 18 games remaining.

Summary

JR Ritchie Dominates

JR Ritchie posted a 15-1 strikeout-to-walk ratio in his latest Triple-A start.
Ritchie has thrown 27 2/3 innings in five starts since his Aug. 3 demotion, allowing seven runs.
Ritchie delivered a 6 2/3 -inning effort against the Charlotte Knights.
Ritchie’s ground-ball rate and walk issues remain concerns despite strong strikeout numbers.
Braves executives consider Ritchie the top candidate to replace Elder in the rotation.

History

Historical Context

In 2005 the Astros survived a rotation collapse after Roy Oswalt missed 30 games, with Brandon Backe posting a 3.12 ERA in 12 starts to secure a wild-card spot and beat the Braves in the NLDS. The 2024 Braves, 85-69 and four games ahead in the NL East, now count on Reynaldo López and rookie JR Ritchie to replace Bryce Elder, mirroring Houston’s mid-season arm swap.

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Bryce Elder Surgery

Bryce Elder underwent knee surgery and will miss three to four weeks.
The surgery removed bone fragments that caused his right-knee discomfort since the All-Star break.
Reynaldo López will replace Elder in the Braves’ rotation and is slated to start Wednesday.
The Braves are 85-69, leading the NL East by four games with 18 games remaining.

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