In a significant blow to their roster, Atlanta Braves pitcher Joe Jimenez is expected to be sidelined for the majority, if not the entirety, of the 2025 season as he embarks on a long rehabilitation process following knee surgery. (Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Just days into the off-season of 2024, the Atlanta Braves have suffered the loss of one of their standout relievers, Joe Jimenez, due to injury.
On October 29, setup reliever Joe Jimenez underwent a procedure to repair cartilage in his left knee, with a recovery timeline estimated between eight to twelve months. This timeline suggests that he will likely miss a substantial part of the upcoming 2025 season, as reported by The Athletic’s astute journalist David O’Brien.
#Braves with another big injury setback even in offseason: setup man Joe Jiménez had surgery to repair cartilage damage in his left knee Oct. 29 and will miss 8-12 months, meaning at least a large portion of the 2025 season.
— David O’Brien (@DOBrienATL) November 5, 2024
At just 30 years old, Jimenez had emerged as one of the Braves’ most reliable relievers during the previous season, achieving an impressive 2.62 ERA alongside 82 strikeouts over 68 and two-thirds innings pitched. He not only played a crucial role as a setup man but also served as the backup closer, filling in effectively for Raisel Iglesias, who boasted a remarkable 1.95 ERA with 68 strikeouts over 69 and one-third innings and contributed seven saves during the season.
Jimenez, who joined the Braves from the Detroit Tigers in December 2022, was subsequently rewarded with a lucrative three-year, $26 million contract extension after exhibiting exceptional performance, showcased by his 3.04 ERA and 73 strikeouts across 56 and one-third innings in 2023. As it stands, he has $18 million left on the final two years of his deal, yet his absence in 2025 casts uncertainty on his availability.
The Braves’ need for bullpen depth has grown more critical due to Jimenez’s injury, which may clarify the rationale behind their recent trade of Jorge Soler along with the remainder of his $26 million contract to the Los Angeles Angels. Additionally, the Braves made the decision to decline an $8 million option for catcher Travis d’Arnaud earlier this week.
With Pierce Johnson, who recorded a 3.67 ERA and 67 strikeouts in 56 and one-third innings, as the lone top right-handed reliever in the bullpen alongside Iglesias, the Braves could look within their ranks for potential replacements. Candidates include Dylan Lee, who impressed with a 2.11 ERA and 76 strikeouts over 59 and two-thirds innings, Grant Holmes, who recorded a 3.56 ERA and 70 strikeouts in 68 and one-third innings, and Daysbel Hernández, boasting a 2.50 ERA and 26 strikeouts in 18 innings.
If the Braves opt to pursue free agency to fill the void left by Jimenez, they may consider several prominent right-handed relievers currently on the market, including former closers Aroldis Chapman, who compiled a 3.79 ERA with 98 strikeouts in 61 and two-thirds innings, and Kenley Jansen, who notched a 3.29 ERA and 62 strikeouts over 54 and two-thirds innings, both of whom could be appealing options for general manager Alex Anthopoulos.
**Interview with Baseball Analyst Susan Thorne on Joe Jiménez’s Injury and Its Impact on the Braves**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us, Susan. The news of Joe Jiménez’s injury is quite concerning for Braves fans. Can you summarize the significance of his role in the team and what this injury means for them moving forward?
**Susan Thorne:** Absolutely, it’s a tough blow for the Braves. Joe Jiménez has been a vital part of the bullpen, serving not only as a setup man but also stepping in as a backup closer when needed. Last season, he posted an impressive 2.62 ERA with 82 strikeouts, which highlighted his reliability. Losing him for 8 to 12 months will significantly impact their late-inning strategy, especially as they head into the 2025 season.
**Interviewer:** How does this affect the Braves’ bullpen depth? Do they have other players ready to step up?
**Susan Thorne:** The Braves do have some promising arms, but Jiménez’s effectiveness leaves a gap that’s not easily filled. With Raisel Iglesias also having had a fantastic season, the pressure on him to perform without Jiménez will increase. The Braves may need to look at their minor league system or the free-agent market to find additional support to ensure their bullpen remains competitive.
**Interviewer:** With Joe being only 30, what does this kind of injury generally mean for pitchers in terms of their recovery and performance when they return?
**Susan Thorne:** Recovering from knee surgery can be quite tricky for pitchers because a strong lower body is crucial for delivering their pitches effectively. Depending on how his rehabilitation goes, there might be lingering effects on his velocity or control when he returns. The Braves may have to manage his return carefully to avoid any risk of re-injury.
**Interviewer:** What are the broader implications for the team’s championship aspirations now that they’re entering the season without one of their key relievers?
**Susan Thorne:** It’s certainly a setback, but the Braves have a strong foundation in place. If they can supplement the bullpen and ensure their starters remain healthy, they still have a talented lineup that can contend. However, this injury does put additional pressure on the front office to make strategic choices in the offseason to bolster their roster as they aim for another title run.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for your insights, Susan! It will be interesting to see how the Braves navigate this challenge in the upcoming season.
**Susan Thorne:** Thank you for having me! It’s definitely going to be a pivotal season for them.