Some positive news on the status of Atlanta Braves starter Reynaldo Lopez: According to manager Brian Snitker, his MRI results showed no structural damage. He added that they’ll get a better idea of ​​what Lopez’s schedule might look like once he gets a few days of rest.

“It was good,” Snitker said before Wednesday’s game against the Washington Nationals. “The MRI was clean. He has some inflammation and hopefully it will calm down – I’ll probably give him a couple of days off and see how he feels when he starts throwing again.”

Lopez left Tuesday night’s game after just one inning with what was later determined to be inflammation of his right shoulder. He will not be able to play again until September 26 at the earliest, which could give him one more start in the regular season. Snitker seemed hopeful that Lopez could be back by then, but he made no guarantees.

“We won’t know until everything calms down,” he said.

They’ve experienced this before. Last time, Lopez hoped for a quick return, but then he was out earlier than expected.

The Braves have already planned the rotation for the next few days around Lopez’s next start on Monday. Max Fried will start in his place. The off day on Thursday gave them flexibility, as Fried can make that start with his usual rest.

Here’s the rotation for Friday through Monday according to the Braves website.

Friday: Spencer Swellenbach
Saturday: Chris Sale
Sunday: Charlie Morton
Monday: Max Fried

That wraps up the Dodgers series. There’s one last day off for the Braves to use on September 23rd. After that, they’d ideally have Lopez back to start a game a few days later. But it’s unrealistic that they can go without a backup starter between now and September 23rd.

I guess we’ll cross that bridge when we get there.

The Braves want to win their two away games against the Washington Nationals. First pitch is scheduled for 6:45 p.m.