Diamondbacks’ Nolan Arenado exits game vs. Braves with injury

Arizona Diamondbacks third baseman Nolan Arenado exited Sunday’s 5-3 loss to the Atlanta Braves with what the team described as left trunk discomfort. The 35-year-old left after grounding out to third base with two outs in the fourth inning of the series finale.

Arenado appeared to slow while running toward first after Braves third baseman Austin Riley made a diving stop and threw across the diamond. Arenado grimaced after reaching first and was replaced by Ildemaro Vargas at third base for the bottom of the fourth inning. Vargas also moved into the sixth spot in Arizona’s batting order.

Arenado said he “felt a little something” while putting on his leg guard before the at-bat and later described the issue as intercostal. He acknowledged that he was “worried” because he had not experienced this particular injury before. The Diamondbacks have not placed him on the injured list, but Arenado said he woMRI “probably get an MRI” in Boston before the team determines its next move.

The injury came one day after Arenado hit two home runs in Arizona’s 10-3 win over Atlanta on Saturday, reaching 20 homers for the ninth time in his 14 MLB seasons. Between 2024 and 2025, he had hit 28 home runs combined.

Through 118 games and 458 plate appearances this season, Arenado is hitting .241 with 20 home runs and 62 RBIs. He owns a .241/.321/.443 slash line, along with a .764 OPS and a 109 wRC+. He has also accumulated 2.2 fWAR.

Arenado’s potential absence would create another lineup challenge for the Diamondbacks during their playoff chase. Vargas has already filled multiple positions this season and homered in consecutive games for the second time in his career. He had gone 73 games without a home run before his three-run blast Saturday.

Tim Tawa could also share third-base duties if Arenado lands on the injured list, while Jordan Lawlar is nearing a return from his 60-day injured-list stint through a rehab assignment with Double-A Amarillo.