The Braves said right-hander John Gant suffered a left abdominal oblique strain that forced him to leave Monday’s game against the Indians.
Gant clutched his side after throwing a pitch to the second batter of the third inning. The game was stopped and Gant threw one practice pitch before clutching his side again and departing the game.
Gant said he first felt the pain while throwing his penultimate pitch.
“I’m not really sure what it is yet,” he said. “I will be reevaluated tomorrow and we’ll make a decision from there.”
The Braves already have two starting pitchers on the disabled list: Williams Perez and Mike Foltynewicz.
Gant posted a 3.24 ERA with a .217 opponents’ batting average in his previous three starts but now could be headed to the disabled list.
“Those things don’t ever heal real quick,” Braves interim manager Brian Snitker said. “He will get the treatment tonight and then we’ll see how he’s feeling tomorrow.”
Gant said he’s never had a similar injury before.
“Obviously it’s frustrating,” he said. “I’m going to try not to worry about it too much and bounce back and think positive thoughts.”
Gant made his big-league debut on April 6, the first of his five stints with the Braves this season. The Braves recalled him from Triple A-Gwinnett on June 8 to take Perez’s place in the rotation.