ATLANTA — Braves left-hander Martin Perez will likely go on the injured list after being hit in the left forearm by Juan Soto in Sunday’s 10-9 loss to the New York Mets.
Atlanta manager Walt Weiss said Perez’s X-rays were negative but added that the pitcher is expected to undergo additional tests.
“It’s probably IL,” Weiss said. “He won’t be able to make his next start.”
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Perez (6-6) allowed six hits and five runs, four earned, in 4 1/3 innings. He walked two batters and made one out before being ejected from the game.
After being hit by a liner, Perez recovered and struck out Soto at first base. Soto appeared concerned about Perez and then appeared to encourage the pitcher as he returned to the Mets’ bench.
“I don’t think there’s anything broken there, but it’s probably IL,” Weiss said. “He got hit hard and that’s his throwing arm.”
The NL East-leading Braves used a six-man rotation, leaving only seven relievers in the bullpen. Weiss said if Perez goes on the injured list, the team would likely fill his roster spot by adding a pitcher.
“That will probably allow us to go back to an eight-man bullpen,” Weiss said.