Braves make major roster moves for Cubs series as nightmare starting rotation issues continue

The Atlanta Braves are in a comfortable spot to win the NL East over the Philadelphia Phillies with a couple of weeks to go in the regular season. The Braves still have some things to be worried about, though, as the postseason looms closer.

The main thing is the starting rotation, as there have been problems there throughout the entire season. Hurston Waldrep is one name that is done for the season, along with others.

“Hurston Waldrep was at Gwinnett Field today, cleaning out his locker and taking his stuff. Teammates were spotted looking at his elbow during various conversations. Feels like that's a bit of confirmation that he's likely not coming back this year,” Braves Today’s Lindsay Crosby wrote.

The Braves are currently in a crucial series with the Chicago Cubs. The organization has made several pitching moves since Monday. On Monday morning, the team released Bailey Faltner.

“The Braves announced this morning that left-hander Bailey Falter has been designated for assignment. The 29-year-old Falter was acquired from the Royals alongside outfielder Lane Thomas prior to the 2026 trade deadline. By agreeing to acquire Falter and some of the remainder on his $3.6MM salary, Atlanta likely lowered the prospect cost of acquiring Thomas,” MLB Trade Rumors’ Steve Adams wrote.

Tuesday morning, the Braves announced that they had sent starter Reynaldo Lopez to the injured list, continuing the rotation nightmares. Atlanta will call up JR Ritchie.

“The Braves today recalled RHP JR Ritchie to Atlanta and placed RHP Reynaldo López on the 15-day injured list with right shoulder inflammation. Additionally, RHP Joe Jiménez tonight begins a rehabilitation assignment with the Gwinnett Stripers,” the Braves posted.

This is far from what the Braves needed with the Wild Card series looming. Losing Lopez is huge, as he would have been a nice veteran to have in the playoffs, but that doesn’t look like the case for now.

Atlanta will try to manage the series against the Cubs as best as it can. The Braves' rotation is once again in a far-from-ideal spot with the playoffs right around the corner. The never-ending rotation injuries continue at the most important time of the year.

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