Braves player Reynaldo Lopez leaves game with forearm soreness

Dylan Lee replaced Lopez in the fourth inning.

And now the Braves face the possibility of life without MLB’s ERA leader for an indefinite period.

López allowed three hits and a walk to one batter in three scoreless innings. But he hasn’t been in good shape. Still, his last three four-seam fastballs, in order, were 95.5 mph, 96.5 mph and 97.4 mph, so there wasn’t much indication he was hurt.

And then, in the top of the fourth inning, Lee began warming up. It was, of course, an ominous sight. It meant Lopez probably wouldn’t return.

And he didn’t.

Lopez leads MLB with a 2.06 ERA. Atlanta needs him.

The Braves are already without Max Fried, who is on the disabled list with neuritis in his left forearm. Fried pitched in the outfield before Sunday’s game at Citi Field. It appears his injury isn’t a worst-case scenario and he’s feeling better since the Braves placed him on the disabled list.

Atlanta now has to deal with Lopez’s forearm stiffness.

This season, the Braves have given López plenty of rest so he can resume his starting role. Still, Sunday’s start allowed him to throw 104 2/3 innings this season, 38 2/3 innings more than last season.

The Braves’ bad luck seems to continue. And when will it end?

Everyone would like to know.