Diamondbacks third baseman Nolan Arenado exits Braves loss with unexplained rib-area pain

Arizona third baseman Nolan Arenado was forced to exit a 5-3 loss to the Atlanta Braves in the fourth inning because of an unfamiliar discomfort in his left rib cage. The pain, which he first felt while bending in the batter’s box and worsened after a swing, prompted him to leave the field and head to the clubhouse. Arenado, who hit two homers in the previous game, voiced anxiety that the issue could be serious, especially as the Diamondbacks battle for a postseason spot.

Manager Torey Lovullo, known for Arenado’s iron-man mentality, said the news was concerning and that the team will monitor the situation closely. An MRI will be performed before the Diamondbacks travel to Boston for a three-game series. In his place, Ildemaro Vargas homered later, but Atlanta’s Matt Olson delivered a three-run blast to seal the win.