Injury Concerns for Atlanta Braves as Reynaldo López Exits Game Early
The Atlanta Braves are no strangers to injury concerns this season, and their worries continue as starting pitcher Reynaldo López was removed from Tuesday’s game against the Washington Nationals after just one inning due to right shoulder tightness. This latest setback adds to the team’s growing list of injury woes as they fight for a playoff spot.
López’s performance in his short outing was cause for concern. His average four-seam fastball velocity was significantly lower than his season average, clocking in at just 91.9 mph, a drop of 3.6 mph. He reached a top speed of 93.8 mph with one of his 13 four-seamers in the inning. These decreased numbers indicate potential issues with his shoulder and could be a sign of a more serious injury.
Prior to Tuesday’s game, López had been having an exceptional season, earning an All-Star selection in his first year with the Braves and as a full-time starter since 2019. He boasted an impressive 2.04 ERA in 23 starts, including a stellar 1.96 ERA and .574 opponents’ OPS in four starts since returning from a stint on the injured list for forearm soreness. His performance in those four starts included 34 strikeouts and just five walks in 23 innings.
However, López’s injury history raises concerns about his durability. He has already pitched almost twice as many innings (128 2/3) as he did in any of the past four seasons, during which he primarily served as a reliever. The strain of being a full-time starter may be taking a toll on his body, leading to the shoulder tightness he experienced during Tuesday’s game.
The Braves’ coaching staff and medical team were quick to assess López’s condition during the first inning, with a trainer, interim pitching coach, and manager Brian Snitker all speaking with him. Despite his assurance that he was capable of finishing the inning, the decision was made to replace him with reliever Jesse Chavez in the second inning. This precautionary measure suggests that the Braves are not taking any chances with López’s health.
If the injury proves to be significant and López is unable to contribute during the postseason, it would be a significant blow to the Braves’ playoff hopes. The team was relying on the trio of All-Stars Chris Sale, Max Fried, and López to anchor their rotation in the playoffs. Losing López would disrupt their plans and put additional pressure on the remaining starters to step up.
The Atlanta Braves have been battling through a challenging season, with injuries and underperforming hitters impacting their once-potent offense. Despite the setbacks, their starting pitching has been a key factor in keeping them in contention for one of the National League’s wild-card spots. Losing López for any significant period would undoubtedly test their depth and resilience.
As the Braves continue to navigate these injury concerns, it remains to be seen how López’s shoulder tightness will progress and how it will affect his availability moving forward. The team will undoubtedly monitor his condition closely and make any necessary adjustments to ensure his long-term health. In the meantime, they must rely on their remaining pitchers to step up and fill the void left by López’s potential absence.
Injuries are an unfortunate part of sports, and the Atlanta Braves are no strangers to the challenges they bring. The team will need to rally together and find ways to overcome these setbacks if they want to secure a spot in the postseason and make a deep playoff run. The resilience and determination of the Braves will be put to the test as they navigate the uncertainties of López’s injury and strive to achieve their goals.