Huascar Ynoa, a starting pitcher for the Atlanta Braves, is once again attempting to make his way back from injury, beginning a new rehab assignment with Triple-A Gwinnett. Injuries have plagued Ynoa, keeping him off the Braves’ roster for nearly two years.
His struggles began in April 2024, when he was placed on the 7-day Injured List due to right elbow inflammation. After being moved to the 60-day IL in June, his rehab assignment started in mid-July but was derailed by a setback in early August. Now, the 26-year-old will try to salvage what remains of the 2024 season, though his track record with injuries casts uncertainty over his future.
Ynoa’s injury history has been extensive. A shoulder injury during the Braves’ 2021 postseason run sidelined him, and he missed the entire 2023 season recovering from Tommy John surgery. Despite his promise,
Ynoa has had limited success at the Major League level, where he has a career 5.22 ERA over 31 games. His most productive year came in 2021, when he posted a 4.05 ERA in 18 appearances. In 2024, when healthy, he has pitched effectively for Gwinnett, compiling a 3.72 ERA with 15 strikeouts in 19 1/3 innings.
Ynoa’s return could provide valuable pitching depth for the Braves, especially with postseason ambitions in mind. The team might petition the Commissioner’s Office to allow him a call-up for the playoffs or see him as a contributor for the 2025 season, depending on his health. However, given his injury-ridden past, any optimism surrounding his return comes with cautious hope.
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