NEW YORK — While all the attention was on Ronald Acuña Jr.’s return to the Atlanta Braves on Monday at Citi Field, there was one notable absence in the clubhouse.

Reliever Robert Suarez, sidelined with forearm tightness for more than a month, was not present among his teammates. Given that Braves manager Walt Weiss said last week that Suarez had started playing catch at Truist Park, Suarez’s absence was significant.

“I was hoping he’d be back by now,” Weiss said. “It’s taken longer than we all thought.”

Suarez, who last pitched June 19, was a big part of the Braves’ early-season success. He was arguably the best reliever in baseball at the time of his injury, sporting a 0.56 ERA, and he hadn’t given up a run since May 22.

With Suarez’s timeline to return still unclear, the Braves’ need to acquire another reliever before Monday’s trade deadline has only become clearer. Even if Suarez returns before the postseason, his extended absence has already exposed the bullpen’s cracks.

“If there’s a reliever, we would jump at that,” president of baseball operations Alex Anthopoulos said on MLB Network Radio on July 19. “We see it all the time in the playoffs with all the off days; not that many guys are going deep in terms of starts. Having a deep bullpen is pretty important.”

Here are some relievers who could fit Atlanta’s needs:

Adrian Morejon, LHP, San Diego Padres

Last week, The Athletic reported that the Padres had scouts at High-A Rome watching Braves prospects. Morejon, the left-handed power reliever in his final arbitration year making $3.9 million, is a prototypical Braves deadline acquisition. Armed with an upper-90s fastball, strong run-suppression metrics and elite raw talent, Morejon offers high-leverage versatility and the ability to work multiple innings. He also has a 27 percent strikeout rate, which would make for an interesting fit alongside fellow lefties Dylan Lee and Dylan Dodd.

John Schreiber has been a consistent reliever for several seasons. (Ezra Shaw / Getty Images)

John Schreiber, RHP, Kansas City Royals

Schreiber attacks hitters from a low arm slot, leaning primarily on a sweeper and sinker that help him generate weak contact. He has been a reliable reliever since 2022, with a 3.39 ERA, 264 strikeouts in 268 innings and a 1.231 WHIP over 288 games during that span. His unusual delivery has been especially effective against right-handed hitters, who have batted .178 against him this year. His ability to keep the ball on the ground also makes him an appealing option.

Kirby Yates, RHP, Los Angeles Angels

Yates is no stranger to Atlanta after spending 2022 and 2023 with the Braves. The 39-year-old has posted a 3.76 ERA and 1.139 WHIP with 35 strikeouts over 26 1/3 innings for the Angels this season. His splitter remains his best weapon, generating plenty of swings-and-misses. He could be another late-inning option for Atlanta.

Emerson Hancock, RHP, Seattle Mariners

Hancock isn’t a relief pitcher. But he is under control through 2030, so he would provide starting pitching depth for a few years to come. On the other hand, if Hancock is added, that would mean Martín Pérez, Grant Holmes or Reynaldo López could find their way back to the bullpen. It seems like Holmes or López would be the likeliest candidates, considering Pérez is left-handed. Both López and Holmes can come into high-leverage situations and go multiple innings. That could be especially important during the playoffs.

AJ Smith-Shawver makes long-awaited return

It had been over a year since AJ Smith-Shawver last pitched in a major league game. On Wednesday, the 23-year-old finally made his return.

He delivered 4 1/3 innings, allowing two earned runs on four hits and striking out four while throwing 69 pitches (43 for strikes) in his first MLB start since having Tommy John surgery in June 2025.

“It’s a lot of ups and downs along that road on the way back, so it’s a grind,” Weiss said. “I thought he handled himself really well.”

Smith-Shawver’s fastball consistently touched the upper 90s, and his slider showed the sharp break that made him one of baseball’s top young pitchers before his injury. While there were moments when his command wasn’t as crisp, he showed his stuff remains viable against major-league hitters. If he can consistently recapture his pre-surgery form, Smith-Shawver would be a valuable asset for a team looking for pitching reinforcement.

For now, the right-hander is headed back to Triple A after Wednesday’s afternoon game. He was only up as the extra player for the doubleheader, which the Braves split with the New York Mets. His future role will become clearer after the deadline.