The Atlanta Braves have received a major late-season boost with the return of right-handed reliever Robert Suárez, who was activated from the 60-day injured list on September 23 after missing more than three months with right-elbow inflammation.
Suárez had not pitched for Atlanta since June 19, but after progressing through his rehabilitation without another setback, the Braves officially reinstated him and optioned right-hander Owen Murphy to Triple-A Gwinnett to make room on the roster.
Suárez’s injury initially began with forearm tightness before the issue was diagnosed as inflammation in his throwing elbow. He was placed on the injured list in late June and later transferred to the 60-day IL on September 1, extending his absence into the final weeks of the regular season.
His recovery included throwing sessions at Truist Park and a minor-league rehab appearance for Gwinnett on September 20, where he delivered a scoreless inning with one strikeout and one hit allowed.
The timing of the return is especially important because Suárez had been one of Atlanta’s most effective relievers before the injury. In 31 appearances, he posted a 0.56 ERA and 0.84 WHIP, striking out 26 batters across 32 innings while allowing only two earned runs and recording four saves.
Atlanta signed the two-time All-Star to a three-year, $45 million contract during the offseason, and his early-season performance quickly established him as an important setup option for closer Raisel Iglesias.
The Braves were careful not to immediately throw Suárez into a major postseason role after such a long layoff. Manager Walt Weiss said the plan was to give him some regular-season opportunities before October, allowing him to regain his game rhythm and allowing the club to evaluate how his arm responds.
Suárez made his first MLB appearance in more than three months against Cincinnati on September 23, retiring three straight batters, before making another appearance against Miami several days later.
Suárez’s return gives Atlanta another experienced high-leverage arm as the club prepares for postseason baseball, although his workload and effectiveness will continue to be monitored following the elbow issue.
Before the injury, his combination of a high-velocity fastball and changeup had made him a key part of Atlanta’s bullpen, and the Braves now have the opportunity to gradually work him back toward that role.
After spending most of the summer on the sidelines, Suárez has returned at the most important point of the season and will look to establish himself as a trusted option for Atlanta’s postseason bullpen.
