The Atlanta Braves were getting all they could hope for out of setup man Robert Suarez to begin 2026.
After signing a three-year, $45 million contract in December, the 35-year-old dazzled to a 0.56 ERA and 0.84 WHIP through 31 appearances. He allowed just two earned runs over 32 innings while holding opposing hitters to a .184 batting average.
However, Suarez has been on the 15-day injured list since June 26, retroactive to June 23, because of right forearm/elbow inflammation. He has not pitched in a game since June 19.
Yet there might finally be some good news on Atlanta's key reliever. Braves manager Walt Weiss revealed Wednesday that Suarez would begin a throwing program Thursday.
On Friday, MLB.com's Mark Bowman reported that Suarez felt good playing catch Thursday and progressed from 60 feet to 75 feet on Friday.
While there are still a lot more steps before Suarez returns, the update is an encouraging sign nonetheless. Suarez was previously shut down while trying to ramp up activity just after the All-Star break.
The numbers don't lie regarding Suarez's impact on the Braves bullpen. Before he was sidelined, Atlanta's bullpen was baseball's best, posting a collective 2.91 ERA. However, since June 20, the group has regressed to the middle of the pack. The Braves' 4.20 bullpen ERA during that span ranks 15th in MLB.
High-leverage reliever Dylan Lee has been stellar this season with a 1.95 ERA over 55.1 innings. However, he posted a 5.54 ERA over 13 innings in July.
Elsewhere, 21-year-old Didier Fuentes has thrived and emerged as a go-to late-inning option. After posting a 13.85 ERA in four starts last season, his switch to the bullpen has paid great dividends.
Through 43 appearances (one start) in 2026, Fuentes owns a 2.39 ERA and 1.06 WHIP over 52.2 innings while holding opposing hitters to a .212 batting average.
Atlanta still has options to serve as the bridge to closer Raisel Iglesias, but Suarez will likely occupy that role once he returns.
Although an exact timetable for a major league return remains unclear, Suarez would ease the pressure on Iglesias. After posting a microscopic 1.27 ERA through July 1, Iglesias has posted a 6.06 ERA and three blown saves in 17 appearances since July 3.
Come playoff time, a deep bullpen is a must. With a healthy Suarez in the mix, the Braves' bullpen is as good as any. However, the Braves will certainly be cautious with their key reliever ahead of the postseason.
Entering Saturday, the Braves (73-49) own a comfortable 8.5-game lead over the Philadelphia Phillies (65-58) atop the National League East.
Atlanta continues its series against the Arizona Diamondbacks on Saturday at 7:15 pm ET.
