The Atlanta Braves are taking a cautious approach with Robert Suarez, and the timing makes the reasoning pretty clear: they want him healthy for October, not rushed back for September.
Suarez is working his way back from a forearm injury, and Atlanta is keeping a close eye on his progress. The hope, at minimum, is to have the star reliever available for the postseason. Mark Bowman of MLB.com offered a fresh update on the recovery plan, noting that the Braves are not moving him forward until they’re certain he’s fully right.
“He’s still feeling a little soreness. Walt (Weiss) said yesterday Suarez wont start ramping up until they are sure he is 100 percent because any setback at this point would likely mean he wouldn’t have time to recover before the end of the season,” Bowman wrote in a post on X, formerly Twitter.
That kind of patience makes sense for a bullpen arm Atlanta clearly values. The Braves may not have had the kind of trade deadline many expected, but they still look like a team with postseason potential. And in that setting, getting relief help back at full strength can matter as much as anything.
Suarez has been outstanding when he’s been on the mound this season. In 2026, the 35-year-old right-hander has posted a 0.56 ERA over 13 appearances. It’s been a strong first season in Atlanta for the two-time All-Star, though injuries have kept him from being available as much as the Braves would like.
For now, the plan is simple: wait until the soreness is gone, then begin building him back up. Atlanta will keep tracking his status as it changes.
The Braves are back home Thursday night against the Miami Marlins. First pitch between the National League East clubs is set for 7:15 PM ET in Atlanta.
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