Braves right-hander Reynaldo López leaves start with right forearm tightness

Updated Jul. 28, 2024 6:40 p.m. ET

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NEW YORK (AP) — Atlanta Braves right-handed pitcher Reynaldo López left his start against the New York Mets on Sunday after three innings because of tightness in his throwing forearm.

Atlanta said the move was precautionary. López is headed to Atlanta for an MRI. Atlanta manager Brian Snitker said the team expected to learn more later on Sunday.

“Right now, it’s forearm tightness and we took him out of precaution,” Snitker said. “I’m glad he said something because you just don’t know about those things.”

A 2024 All-Star, López allowed three hits across three scoreless innings, striking out two. Three of López’s final five pitches of the game were 95 mph or better and his last pitch — an 85.7 mph slider to New York’s Brandon Nimmo — was softly grounded out to second base.

In his first season of a three-year deal with Atlanta, López has pitched to a 2.06 ERA across 19 starts and 104 2/3 innings. His three scoreless innings against New York on Sunday moved the 30-year-old right-hander into the major league lead in ERA after surpassing the qualifying standard. To be eligible for the ERA title, a pitcher must pitch at least one inning per team game played.

López is in his first season as a full-time starter since 2020. He struggled over his two prior starts entering Sunday’s game, allowing seven runs across 12 innings in consecutive losing efforts.

After López’s premature exit, four Atlanta relivers held New York to just a pair of late runs and three hits over the final six innings to secure the Braves’ second straight victory.

“I love how the guys stepped up today,” Snitker said. “They lost their starter and they came out and everybody answered the call.”

The injury is the latest blow for Atlanta, who has been troubled by injuries this season. Right-handed pitcher Spencer Strider, who finished fourth in the 2023 NL Cy Young voting had surgery on his right elbow and was put on the 60-day injured list on April 7. Star outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. suffered his second season-ending ACL injury in four seasons on May 26. The team is also without stars Michael Harris II (strained left hamstring), and Max Fried (left forearm neuritis) and second baseman Ozzie Albies fractured his left wrist one week ago.

“It stinks,” first baseman Matt Olson said. “It kind of feels like every week or every other week, getting some bad news, so definitely hoping for the best here.”

López is considered day to day.

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AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb

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