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The Cuban closer Raisel Iglesias was placed on the 15-day injured list this Tuesday by the Atlanta Braves due to inflammation in his right shoulder, with the move retroactive to Monday.
The injury comes at the worst possible time for the 36-year-old pitcher, who was having an outstanding start to the season: in eight games and 8.2 innings pitched, he had not allowed a single earned run, accumulating 11 strikeouts and five saves, with an ERA of 2.26 and a WHIP of 0.52.
According to journalist Francys Romero, he began to feel discomfort in his shoulder during the last two games, and the Braves decided to give him some rest, hoping he will return to the mound in a few weeks.
The injury had an unusual origin: Iglesias slept poorly on his right shoulder, which prevented him from pitching last Saturday against the Philadelphia Phillies. However, he was able to take the field on Sunday and secure a save before being placed on the injured list.
To fill his spot on the roster, the Braves called up left-handed pitcher Dylan Dodd from the minor league system.
Robert Suarez will take on the role of interim closer while Iglesias recovers. Suarez signed a contract worth three years and 45 million dollars with Atlanta in December 2025, although his original role was that of a high-leverage reliever, with Iglesias retaining the position of primary closer.
Shoulder injuries in pitchers are particularly delicate and can resolve with rest in weeks or extend to months depending on severity. The Braves have not confirmed a return date, although Iglesias' minimum eligibility would be on May 5.
Iglesias entered the 2026 season with a one-year contract worth 16 million dollars. In his Major League career—which includes stints with the Cincinnati Reds, the Los Angeles Angels, and the Braves since 2023—he has accumulated over 600 games, 253 saves, and an earned run average of 2.90, establishing himself as one of the most successful Cuban closers in MLB history.
If the inflammation resolves without complications, the Cuban could return to the mound in early May and resume the role he had performed so brilliantly at the start of this season.
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