The Atlanta Braves finished what was an incredibly entertaining series with a 3-2 win Sunday against the Baltimore Orioles. While the focus is understandably on a late, costly mistake from Ozzie Albies and the extra-inning heroics that followed, the more important piece of this game was Reynaldo Lopez getting back on track. After two rough starts, the right-hander finished 5.2 innings without giving up an earned run. It was a step in the right direction and needed stabilization for an Atlanta rotation that has been inconsistent over the last month.
After two months of appearing unbeatable, Atlanta's offense and pitching have taken turns struggling since the start of June. Watching the bullpen and rotation fall out of an expected level of consistency has been among the many frustrations Braves fans are dealing with. However, there have been positive signs from both the bullpen and the rotation, with Lopez's solid start the latest example of this.
What was noteworthy about this start is the fact that Lopez appeared to take something off of his fastball. The location and ability to get weak contact were far better than in the previous two starts, where the starter had given up a combined nine earned runs.
This is great news for Atlanta, as Bryce Elder and Martin Perez both took steps in the right direction with improved results as well. This gives the franchise hope that perhaps it has enough to continue to piece together the rest of the season if the right trade option doesn't fall their way.
Braves Starter Reynaldo Lopez Shows Encouraging Signs in Sunday's Start
Lopez showing signs of life gives the Braves a chance to find three reliable options with solid resumes. Chris Sale and Grant Holmes both have reached a predictable level of production, with the rest of the rotation in Elder, Lopez, and Perez spending the last month displaying struggles and a frustrating level of inconsistency.
This explains why Sunday was bigger than one start; it gives Braves fans hope that perhaps the franchise has found a stabilizing piece for the rotation. One capable of making a postseason start or at least getting through 3-4 great innings before turning things over to a bullpen that will be unquestionably strong when fully healthy once again.
For Lopez, it will be interesting to watch if lower velocity continues to be utilized and offers the same results. Atlanta continues to deal with a tight National League East race, but continues to hold a 5.5 game lead, starting to turn things around at the perfect time.
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