Braves All-Star RHP Reynaldo Lopez (forearm tightness) exits start

Field Level Media|published: Sun 28th July, 15:57 2024

Jul 28, 2024; New York City, New York, USA; Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Reynaldo Lopez (40) pitches against the New York Mets during the first inning at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Atlanta Braves All-Star pitcher Reynaldo Lopez exited his start against the New York Mets after three scoreless innings Sunday afternoon due to right forearm tightness.

Lopez worked around traffic throughout his brief stint Sunday. The right-hander gave up three hits and issued one walk while throwing 57 pitches but held the Mets hitless in eight plate appearances with runners on base.

Dylan Lee took over for Lopez with the Braves ahead 4-0 following Matt Olson's three-run homer and Orlando Arcia's bases-loaded walk in the top of the fourth.

The laborious outing continued a recent trend for Lopez, who has a 2.06 ERA in 19 starts after spending the last three seasons as a reliever. The 30-year-old opened the season 7-2 with a 1.71 ERA in his first 16 starts but was 0-2 with a 5.25 ERA in his previous two starts entering Sunday.

An absence for Lopez would further tax an already injury-plagued Braves rotation. Opening Day starter Spencer Strider suffered a season-ending right elbow injury April 5 while All-Star Max Fried is on the injured list with left elbow neuritis.

--Field Level Media