Braves’ Tucker Davidson headed to IL with forearm strain

Braves lefty Tucker Davidson left his start Tuesday night against the Red Sox after 53 pitches due to a forearm strain, and he’s headed to the IL according to David O’Brien of The Athletic. On a positive note, O’Brien says Davidson “tested well after coming out of the game” – ultimately a 10-8 loss for Atlanta.

Davidson, 25, made just the fifth appearance of his MLB career Tuesday night. His first three starts this year went quite well, with only three earned runs allowed in 17 2/3 innings. Davidson opened the season at Triple-A Gwinnett, but got the call when Max Fried hit the IL for a hamstring injury. He was sent back down without appearing in a game, but jumped into the Braves’ rotation in mid-May after Huascar Ynoa fractured his hand punching the dugout bench. Davidson was optioned again despite pitching well in that May 18th start but was the Braves’ choice when they needed a June 3rd spot start against the Nationals after several rainouts.

Before the season, Baseball America pegged Davidson as a 50-grade prospect despite some scouts’ belief that he profiles as a reliever in the majors. Kyle Wright and Bryse Wilson, currently working at Triple-A, could be options to replace Davidson. The Braves also added veteran Tanner Roark in May, but he’s been working out of the bullpen for the Stripers.