Key Braves Reliever Joe Jiménez Faces 2025 MLB Season Loss Due to Offseason Knee Surgery
Atlanta Braves fans received some tough news today as it was revealed that key reliever Joe Jiménez is expected to miss the entire 2025 MLB season following knee surgery this offseason. The 28-year-old right-hander, who played a crucial role in the Braves’ bullpen during their 2023 and 2024 campaigns, underwent the procedure in an effort to address ongoing knee issues that had been bothering him for some time.
The Braves organization confirmed the surgery on Monday, stating that Jiménez will be sidelined for a significant portion of next year’s campaign, with doctors projecting a full recovery timeline of roughly 12 months. While Jiménez’s exact rehabilitation schedule will depend on his recovery progress, it’s clear that his absence will be felt in the Braves’ bullpen, which has relied on his consistency and ability to generate strikeouts.
Jiménez was acquired by the Braves in a trade with the Detroit Tigers in 2023 and quickly became a key late-inning option for manager Brian Snitker. The Puerto Rican native posted a 2.52 ERA with 68 strikeouts in 57.1 innings during the 2024 season, providing a dependable setup option in a bullpen that helped propel Atlanta to another postseason berth.
In his absence, the Braves are expected to lean on their depth of relief pitchers, though the loss of Jiménez, who brings a high-velocity fastball and devastating slider, will likely prompt the team to explore other bullpen upgrades before the 2025 season begins.
While this setback is a blow to Atlanta’s pitching staff, the organization remains optimistic that Jiménez will return to full strength in time for the 2026 season, where he will look to re-establish himself as one of the premier relievers in the game.
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