Robert Suarez is finally getting close to throwing live pitches again. He has been dealing with forearm issues that kept him off the field for a long stretch. Now, he feels much better after several bullpen sessions. Braves manager Walt Weiss told the media that Suarez has done well in these throws. The next step is facing live hitters. If that goes smooth, a rehab assignment will follow soon. This is huge news for a team that needs every arm it can get.
Per a report from Grant McAuley via Battery Power, Weiss laid out the exact path forward. “Robert Suarez has felt good in bullpen sessions.” Braves MGR Walt Weiss states the next step involves facing live hitters, followed by a rehab assignment if everything proceeds well. That quote clears up the timeline. There are no vague promises anymore. The plan is clear, and the player is ready.
The Braves have missed Suarez’s presence all season. Before he got hurt, he made 31 appearances and pitched 32 innings. His ERA was a tiny 0.56. His FIP sat at 2.44. These numbers show he was dominating hitters before the injury stopped him. He and Raisel Iglesias formed a 1-2 punch that scared opposing batters. Losing that combo hurt the team’s chances to close out tight games.
The return of Suarez changes the dynamic instantly. He brings high energy and big leverage experience back to the relief corps. Battery Power noted that he produced those elite stats while facing top-tier lineups. A 0.56 ERA in 31 outings is rare. It means he could handle any situation the manager throws at him. The team does not need to hide him or worry about his workload right now. He is ready to work.
A Young Star in the Mix
While Suarez heals, the Braves have seen great things from their younger pitchers. Despite being only 21 years old, Didier Fuentes holds the third spot among NL relievers with a 1.79 ERA. He has posted a 2.27 ERA through 51 appearances as a rookie. Chris Sale commended Fuentes, noting, “Most guys his age are living on ramen and sleeping on couches” Sale further remarked that Fuentes is “pitching high-energy, big-leverage innings in the big leagues right now, and doing it at a very high clip”
Mauricio Dubón echoed those thoughts about the rookie. He stated you don’t even consider him being merely 21 years old. Dubón also noted, “He’s going out there against the game’s best lineups and just shoving. He’s a big reason we’re here.” Fuentes has a 30.5% strikeout rate, which shows he can miss bats. According to reports, just 44 pitchers completed a qualified season at age 21 or younger. This proves how special his run is.
Postseason Implications
The combination of a returning Suarez and a breakout Fuentes gives Atlanta a scary relief corps. Weiss needs to get the plane off the ground with these arms before the playoffs start. Suarez’s return fills a massive hole in the lineup. Fuentes provides depth and dominance from the younger side. The team has the tools to win close games down the stretch. If Suarez gets healthy fast, the Braves could be unstoppable in the final weeks.
