Reynaldo López Exits Braves' Game Against Mets with Forearm Tightness
Atlanta Braves pitcher Reynaldo López exited his start against the New York Mets after just three innings and 57 pitches, citing forearm tightness as the reason for his early departure. The Braves, in a statement, noted, "López was removed as a precaution and is day-to-day." López will be heading back to Atlanta for an MRI to determine the severity of the injury.
Forearm tightness often signals underlying issues with the elbow ligaments, and can sometimes be a precursor to Tommy John surgery. This development is particularly concerning for the Braves, considering López's remarkable season after transitioning back into a starting role. The right-hander, who had spent the previous two seasons as a reliever, has pitched a total of 104 2/3 innings this year, significantly more than last year’s 66 innings and his highest workload since logging 184 innings in 2019. His outstanding performance this season, reflected in a stellar 2.06 ERA, also earned him his first career All-Star Game selection.
The Braves’ pitching staff is already under strain, with Max Fried still on the injured list and not eligible to return for another week. López's potential absence only compounds the team’s challenges. With their current 55-48 record and a tenuous one-game lead on a wild-card spot, every game is critical. The Braves have seen a fluctuating season, going 35-39 since early May, and López’s injury could pose a significant threat to their playoff ambitions.
The Braves' lineup has also faced its share of setbacks. Ozzie Albies is out for eight weeks due to a broken wrist, while Ronald Acuña Jr. has been ruled out for the season with a torn ACL. The combination of these key injuries places additional pressure on the team as they navigate through the latter part of the season.
Grant Holmes is set to make his first career start on Monday, adding another layer of uncertainty to the Braves’ immediate future.
López's departure highlights the precarious nature of baseball, where a team’s fortunes can hinge on the health of its players. As the Braves await further news on López's condition, their playoff hopes hang in the balance, contingent on the outcome of his MRI and the resilience of their roster.