Reynaldo L\u00f3pez’s injury during Sunday’s game has jeopardized the Braves’ season and playoff hopes. This puts pressure on the team to find new pitchers before the trade deadline.<\/p>\n
Braves manager Brian Snitker wanted to enjoy their 9-2 win over the Mets on Sunday. Matt Olson hit home runs in two games in a row, and the Braves solidified their lead in the National League Wild Card standings.<\/p>\n
However, the focus was on Reynaldo L\u00f3pez, who left after three scoreless innings because of right forearm tightness. Just as things seemed to be looking up, the Braves faced another injury.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt sucks<\/i>,\u201d Olson said. \u201cI<\/b>t kind of feels like every week or every other week, we\u2019re getting some bad news. So definitely hoping for the best here.\u201d<\/i><\/p>\n
L\u00f3pez went back to Atlanta for more tests. Even if the MRI shows no serious damage, he might still need to go on the 15-day injured list. The Braves hope he only needs a short rest.<\/p>\n
L\u00f3pez didn\u2019t show any pain during his 57 pitches. His last fastball was his fastest, at 97.4 mph. Marcell Ozuna noticed L\u00f3pez looked uncomfortable and told the coaches after the third inning.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou think of when [the injuries are] going to stop<\/i>,\u201d Braves third baseman Austin Riley said.<\/p>\n
\u201cHopefully, it\u2019s nothing serious and the results come back positive and he doesn\u2019t miss much.<\/i>\u201d<\/p>\n
L\u00f3pez has the best ERA in the MLB at 2.06. He became a starter this year after being a reliever. There was some worry about him handling a full season as a starter, especially since he didn\u2019t pitch more than 66 innings in the last two years. This year, he has pitched 104 2\/3 innings, with extra rest for many of his starts.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou can never be too careful when they get tightness<\/i>,\u201d Snitker said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s probably why he\u2019s already at the airport or in the air right now. You want to be proactive.<\/i>\u201d<\/p>\nBraves’ Trade Plans Before Deadline<\/h2>\n
Besides waiting for news on L\u00f3pez, the Braves need to figure out their strategy before the trade deadline. They need an outfielder and might need a pitcher due to L\u00f3pez\u2019s uncertain status. Despite many injuries, the Braves are 1 1\/2 games ahead for second place in the NL East.<\/p>\n
Chris Sale, Max Fried, and L\u00f3pez were All-Star Game picks two weeks ago. Fried is now injured, and L\u00f3pez might join him. The Braves\u2019 playoff hopes depend on these top pitchers being healthy. Fried is doing well and might return soon.<\/p>\n
If L\u00f3pez\u2019s injury is serious, the Braves might avoid aggressive trades. But if he only needs a short break, this rest could help him be strong for the postseason.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, the Braves hope Olson continues his hot streak. He has hit home runs in the last two games, improving his performance.<\/p>\n
L\u00f3pez has been a star for the Braves this year, with a 7-4 record and over 100 innings pitched for the first time since 2019. After playing for several teams, L\u00f3pez signed a three-year, $30 million contract with the Braves this offseason.<\/p>\n