Joe Jimenez's comeback story might be over before it even begins. After missing all of last season due to injury, the [Atlanta Braves](https://www.mlb.com/braves) reliever is starting the season on the injured list again. Now, some are wondering if this could be the end of his career.
Quick Stats
- Joe Jimenez, All-Star reliever, signed a three-year, $26 million contract with the Braves prior to the 2024 season.
- Jimenez missed the entire 2025 season due to complications from knee surgery.
- Braves manager Brian Snitker confirmed Jimenez won't be ready to start the 2026 season.
- Braves writer Scott Coleman suggests there's a better chance Jimenez's career is over than him throwing another impactful pitch.
Jimenez's Injury Woes Continue
The [Braves](https://www.mlb.com/braves) were hoping for a bounce-back season in 2026. A healthy Jimenez was expected to be a key part of their bullpen. Those plans have hit a major snag.
Setback After Surgery
Jimenez had surgery on his left knee in November 2024. He experienced renewed soreness during his rehab. This setback has cast serious doubt on his ability to return to form [2].
"Joe Jimenez was shut down from throwing last week due to renewed soreness in his surgically repaired left knee," wrote Mark Polishuk of [MLB Trade Rumors](https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/) [2]. "This seemed like a major obstacle to Jimenez’s chances of returning to action before the end of the 2025 season."
Doubt Creeping In
The Braves have added bullpen depth in the offseason. Robert Suarez, Ian Hamilton, and Joel Payamps were brought in to bolster the relief corps [2]. Closer Raisel Iglesias and reliever Tyler Kinley also returned [2]. But losing Jimenez for an extended period still hurts.
Braves writer Scott Coleman didn't mince words. "Very earliest he’d be back is late May. Better chance his career is over than ever throwing an impact pitch again, IMO," [Coleman wrote](https://x.com/scottcoleman55/status/2021429328597352604) [2]. That's a brutally honest assessment of Jimenez's situation.
The Road Ahead
Injuries are a brutal part of the game. Jimenez, who is still at a respectable age to pitch, faces an uphill battle. This setback is a blow to both the player and the team [2].
"As for the loss of Jimenez, the Braves have added significant bullpen depth this off-season," wrote DJourn of [Batter Power](https://www.batterypower.com/) [2]. The Braves will need that depth to step up.
By The Numbers
Jimenez signed a three-year, $26 million contract before the 2024 season [2]. He was expected to be a key piece in the Braves' bullpen. However, he missed the entire 2025 season due to injury [2].
The Braves were counting on Jimenez to contribute in the final year of his contract. His continued absence puts more pressure on the team's other relievers. The team brought back closer [Raisel Iglesias](https://www.mlb.com/player/raisel-iglesias-542993) and reliever [Tyler Kinley](https://www.mlb.com/player/tyler-kinley-641751). They also added [Robert Suarez](https://www.mlb.com/player/robert-suarez-593879), [Ian Hamilton](https://www.mlb.com/player/641642) and [Joel Payamps](https://www.mlb.com/player/641941) [2].
The Braves' pitching staff is starting to look thin. A healthy Jimenez would provide a significant boost. Without him, the Braves may need to explore other options.
What To Watch Next
The Braves will be closely monitoring Jimenez's recovery. They will also be evaluating their bullpen options in Spring Training. Keep an eye on how the newly acquired relievers perform.
Will Robert Suarez emerge as a dominant force? Can Raisel Iglesias maintain his closer role? The answers to these questions will be critical for the Braves' success. The [Braves](https://www.mlb.com/braves) might also look to the free agent or trade market to add more pitching depth.
