Braves reliever Joe Jiménez to be sidelined 8-12 months following knee surgery

 Braves reliever Joe Jiménez is expected to miss much of 2025 season and possibly all of it after surgery to repair cartil in his left knee.

team confirmed Monday night that Jiménez is likely to be sidelined for approximately eight to 12 months following operation last week.

Jiménez was expected to open next season as one of Atlanta's top setup men. 29-year-old right-hander posted a 2.62 ERA with three saves in 2024. He established career highs by pitching 68 2/3 innings in 69 games.

surgery came about a year after Braves re-signed Jiménez to a $26 million, three-year contract on v. 2, 2023. Jiménez, who began his major league career by pitching six seasons for Detroit Tigers, has been one of Atlanta's best relievers last two seasons.

Braves acquired Jiménez from Detroit in a trade before 2023 season, sending two mir leaguers to Tigers. He was an All-Star with Detroit in 2018.