Braves' Reynaldo Lopez Continues Comeback Against Diamondbacks

Atlanta and Arizona open four-game series in Phoenix after recent winning streaks.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 1:22pm

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The Atlanta Braves and Arizona Diamondbacks are set to begin a four-game series in Phoenix, with Braves pitcher Reynaldo Lopez looking to build on a strong first outing of the season. Lopez, who revived his career with the Braves in 2024, will face off against Diamondbacks right-hander Ryne Nelson. Both teams are coming off recent winning streaks, with the Diamondbacks sweeping the Detroit Tigers and the Braves taking two of three from the Oakland Athletics.

Why it matters

This early-season matchup between the Braves and Diamondbacks features two teams looking to establish themselves in the early standings. The Braves' rotation has been a strength so far, while the Diamondbacks are hoping to build on their recent success. The performance of pitchers like Lopez and Nelson could play a key role in determining the outcome of the series.

The details

Braves right-hander Reynaldo Lopez is scheduled to make his second start of the season, coming off a quality outing against the Kansas City Royals in which he touched 97 mph on the radar gun. Lopez, who missed most of the 2025 season due to a shoulder injury, is looking to continue his comeback and solidify his spot in the Braves' rotation. Meanwhile, Diamondbacks right-hander Ryne Nelson will make his second start of the year, looking to bounce back after a shaky outing against the Los Angeles Dodgers in which he allowed four runs in the third inning.

  • The four-game series between the Braves and Diamondbacks begins on Thursday night in Phoenix.
  • Reynaldo Lopez made his first start of the season on Saturday, giving up one run in six innings against the Royals.
  • Ryne Nelson made his first start of the season on April 1, allowing four runs in 4.2 innings against the Dodgers.

The players

Reynaldo Lopez

A right-handed pitcher for the Atlanta Braves who is looking to continue his comeback after missing most of the 2025 season due to a shoulder injury.

Ryne Nelson

A right-handed pitcher for the Arizona Diamondbacks who is making his second start of the season after a shaky outing against the Dodgers.

Zac Gallen

The Diamondbacks' starting pitcher who threw six scoreless innings in a 1-0 win over the Tigers on Wednesday.

Corbin Carroll

The Diamondbacks' outfielder who hit a solo home run in the first inning against the Tigers, becoming only the sixth left-handed hitter to homer off Tarik Skubal in Skubal's six-year career.

Chris Sale

The Braves' starting pitcher who won his second game of the season in a 5-1 decision over the Athletics on Wednesday.

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What they’re saying

“'To be able to throw pain-free is a real blessing. I think of just how long it's been since I've actually been able to throw that way. It's big. It's a game-changer to be able to throw like that.'”

— Reynaldo Lopez

“'Homers are going to happen, but the walks in front of them are usually the decider of how it ends up going. You have to put guys away when you get two strikes and not let the count get deep.'”

— Ryne Nelson

What’s next

The Braves and Diamondbacks will continue their four-game series on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in Phoenix.

The takeaway

This early-season matchup between the Braves and Diamondbacks features two teams looking to build on recent momentum. The performance of starting pitchers like Reynaldo Lopez and Ryne Nelson could be a key factor in determining the outcome of the series.