Braves Reinstate Two-Time All-Star Pitcher From Injured List Just In Time For Postseason

The Atlanta Braves signed Robert Suárez to a three-year, $45 million deal last offseason, but he has been on the injured list since June 23.

Suárez was dealing with right elbow inflammation and just finished his rehab assignment. The Braves announced on Wednesday that they are reinstating him from the injured list. Suárez being back set the Braves' bullpen up nicely for the postseason.

Suárez had a 0.56 ERA in 31 games before his injury. He had a strong case to be an All-Star, but unlike the last two years in San Diego , the Braves were not using him as their closer. They had Raisel Iglesias in that role after they also re-signed him. Together, Iglesias and Suàrez are one of the best bullpen tandems in baseball and can dominate teams for the final six outs of a game.

The Braves starting rotation has some question marks for October, but having Suárez and Iglesias both healthy shortens the bridge between the starter and closing the game. Both right-handers are closers, and having to face one of them in the eighth inning is a nightmare for teams.

Suárez made just one outing for Triple-A Gwinnett during his rehab assignment. He pitched a scoreless inning with one strikeout, needing just 11 pitches. The Braves will most likely be playing a Wild Card Series starting Tuesday, and Suárez will no doubt be on the roster for that. The Braves will likely get him some action in the big leagues in their final five games.