Locked On Braves Postcast Atlanta Braves 12 0 Victory Tempered By Injury Scare For Reynaldo Lopez

Reynaldo López Leaves Tuesday's Start with Forearm Tightness, Braves Blank Nationals 12-0

The Atlanta Braves continue their hot start to the 2023 season, but Tuesday night's 12-0 victory over the Washington Nationals was slightly soured by an injury to starting pitcher Reynaldo López.

López exited the game after just 2 2/3 innings with forearm tightness. He allowed one hit and two walks while striking out three batters. The Braves offense provided plenty of support for López, scoring 12 runs on 15 hits. Matt Olson led the way with a 4-for-5 performance, including a home run and three RBIs. Austin Riley also homered, and Dansby Swanson had three hits and two RBIs. Despite the lopsided score, the Braves were unable to secure the shutout as reliever Dylan Lee allowed a single to Lane Thomas in the eighth inning. The Braves will now head to Miami for a three-game series against the Marlins. Ian Anderson is scheduled to start Wednesday's series opener.

López's injury is a concern for the Braves, who are already without Mike Soroka and Spencer Strider. Soroka is recovering from a torn Achilles tendon, while Strider is dealing with a left oblique strain. The Braves will likely need to make a roster move to replace López on the active roster. One possibility is to recall right-hander Huascar Ynoa from Triple-A Gwinnett. Ynoa has a 3.38 ERA in 10 starts for Gwinnett this season. He has struck out 53 batters in 53 1/3 innings pitched. The Braves will hope that López's injury is not serious and that he can return to the rotation soon. However, the team will need to find a way to replace his innings in the meantime.