The Atlanta Braves got their homestand off on a good note with a 2-0 win over the Chicago Cubs Monday night. After the game, they got some good news on the injury front. An MRI exam on Austin Riley’s left side showed inflammation and he could return to the lineup later this week.
Riley’s MRI just showed inflammation. He could play later this week
— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) May 14, 2024
Riley left Sunday’s game against the Mets after experiencing some soreness on his side. The Braves said they removed him as a precaution, but he still had some lingering soreness which led to the MRI. Zack Short started in place of Riley Monday night and drove in Atlanta’s first run of the game.
Reynaldo Lopez update
Reynaldo Lopez turned in another solid performance on the mound but exited after the fifth inning and 71 pitches. Brian Snitker said after the game that Lopez’s back tightened up after the fifth inning.
Lopez’s back tightened, that’s why he came out.
— David O’Brien (@DOBrienATL) May 14, 2024
Despite the early exit, he is still expected to make his next start.
Bullpen Decisions
With a 2-0 lead in the ninth, Snitker elected to go with A.J. Minter one night after he blew a save in New York. Minter allowed the first two hitters to reach on a single and walk, but then got a double play and a fly out to end it.
After the game, Snitker said that he just wanted to give Raisel Iglesias and Joe Jiménez another day of rest after both had a heavy workload in New York. Iglesias threw 48 pitches and allowed two runs in two appearances on Friday and Saturday. Jimenez threw 30 pitches Saturday.
