Iglesias Down With Shoulder Trouble, and the Braves Are Banking Everything on Suarez Right Now

The Atlanta Braves just lost their closer to injury at exactly the wrong time. Raisel Iglesias landed on the 15-day injured list Tuesday after dealing with right shoulder inflammation that started Friday night when he slept on it wrong. The timing stings: Iglesias had been lights out to start the season, posting five saves with 8 and two-thirds scoreless innings, 11 strikeouts, and just one walk.

Here's the problem though. When Iglesias took the mound Sunday against the Phillies, his fastball was already down. He was hitting 92.9 mph on his heater, a noticeable dip from his 2024 average of 94.1 mph. He still earned the save in a scoreless appearance, but the velocity loss was a red flag nobody wanted to see. After signing a one-year, $16 million deal to lock down the back end for Atlanta this offseason, Iglesias, 36, was supposed to be the steady hand. Instead, he's heading to the injured list.

Suarez Steps In, and the Braves Are Betting Big on His Track Record

Enter Robert Suarez. The Braves signed him to a three-year, $45 million contract this offseason, and he comes in with serious credentials: he led the entire National League with 36 saves for the San Diego Padres last season. He's been working as the setup man this year and has been solid, allowing just one run in 9 and two-thirds innings while striking out 11 and walking one. Now he takes over the closer role while Iglesias recovers.

The Braves also recalled reliever Dylan Dodd from Triple-A Gwinnett to fill the roster spot left open by Iglesias's move to the IL. Atlanta's banking on Suarez to slide smoothly into the ninth inning and keep the damage minimal while their primary closer gets healthy.

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.