JR Ritchie to get second start, Reynaldo López heads to bullpen

TL;DR

JR Ritchie will make his second MLB start for the Atlanta Braves against the Detroit Tigers, while Reynaldo López is moving to the bullpen to address mechanical issues.

Key points

JR Ritchie to make second MLB start for Atlanta Braves
Reynaldo López moves to bullpen for mechanical issues
Spencer Strider could return from IL next week

Atlanta BravesDetroit TigersJR RitchieReynaldo López

Apr 23, 2026; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Atlanta Braves starting pitcher JR Ritchie (56) pitches against the Washington Nationals during the sixth inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images | Geoff Burke-Imagn Images Atlanta Braves manager Walt Weiss announced after today’s 6-2 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies that rookie starting pitcher JR Ritchie will get his second major league start on Wednesday against the Detroit Tigers. Weiss also confirm that former right-handed starter Reynaldo López is heading to the bullpen to work out some mechanical issues that are framed as the culprit of his last two sub-optimal starts. Ritchie made his MLB debut on April 23, picking up the victory after tossing seven innings of two-run ball. The righty struck out seven against the Washington Nationals. López, pitched in only one game in 2025 after a sterling first season in Atlanta in 2024. The 32-year-old has made five starts this year for the Braves, logging 21.2 innings. However, he allowed a combined seven earned runs in his past two starts – including four in a single inning of work on April 21. Rehabbing starting pitcher Spencer Strider pitched five strong innings for Triple-A Gwinnett today and could be activated off the IL within the next week. The Braves have not yet announced if Strider will make an additional minor league start. Ritchie will make his home debut, weather permitting, as the Braves take on a Tigers squad looking to win the American League Central Division.

Q&A

What are the details of JR Ritchie's second MLB start?

JR Ritchie will start for the Atlanta Braves against the Detroit Tigers, marking his home debut after a successful first outing.

Why is Reynaldo López moving to the bullpen?

Reynaldo López is heading to the bullpen to work on mechanical issues that have affected his performance in recent starts.

When is Spencer Strider expected to return from the IL?

Spencer Strider could be activated off the injured list within the next week after pitching five strong innings for Triple-A Gwinnett.