The Atlanta Braves are turning to pitching prospect J.R. Ritchie for Wednesday’s matchup against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field.
Chad Bishop of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported the move on X as Atlanta continues to manage a depleted rotation during the final weeks of the regular season.
Ritchie will get the start after Reynaldo López left Monday’s 7-3 loss to the Cubs with right shoulder discomfort. López had only recently returned from the injured list and is now expected to head back to the IL.
The right-hander has made only two starts since his return, pitching 7.2 innings while allowing 11 earned runs.
The Braves also recalled right-hander Owen Murphy from Triple-A Gwinnett and designated left-hander Bailey Falter for assignment. Murphy gives Atlanta another option for length if Ritchie cannot work deep into Wednesday’s game.
Ritchie has been one of the organization’s promising young arms and has pitched well in the minors recently. His fastball, curveball and changeup will now be tested against a Cubs lineup that just scored seven runs in the series opener.
Atlanta has little room for error with its rotation. Bryce Elder recently underwent right knee surgery, while Spencer Schwellenbach and Hurston Waldrep have already been shut down for the season.
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AJ Smith-Shawver also had to cover five innings in relief Monday after López’s early exit, making the bullpen situation another concern for the Braves.
Atlanta entered Wednesday at 88-63 with a four-game magic number to clinch a postseason spot. Ritchie will now try to help the Braves move one step closer while giving a battered rotation some much-needed help.
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