Braves' López leaves start with right forearm tightness

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.

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 free agent 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.

He is considered day-to-day.

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