Lopez (shoulder) threw a bullpen session Tuesday and could potentially return before the end of the regular season, Mark Bowman of MLB.com reports.
Lopez is eligible for activation from the 15-day injured list Thursday as he works his way back from right shoulder inflammation. A return as a reliever would seem likelier, although Atlanta doesn't appear to have ruled out bringing him back as a starter on what would surely be a limited pitch count. Where the club sits in the wild-card standings later this week could be a factor in its decision on Lopez.