Atlanta Braves right-hander Mike Soroka was lifted from his start Sunday against the Washington Nationals after he was hit in the right arm by a pitch in the top of the third inning.
He stayed in the game to run the bases but was removed in the bottom of the third inning for pitcher Josh Tomlin.
The Braves said Soroka was removed for precautionary reasons.
"It was an easy decision. He got hit pretty good," Braves manager Brian Snitker said after Atlanta's 4-3 victory in 10 innings.
Snitker said X-rays taken on Soroka's arm were negative.
"We'll know more in a couple of days when he tries to throw the ball around. They don't seem to think it's going to be other than a nice bruise," he said.
Soroka allowed one hit and struck out a batter in the first two innings of the game.
"I knew I got it right in the flexors and as soon as those tighten up there's pretty much no chance of throwing a baseball today. But good news is the inflammation is going to get out of there and hopefully I'll be in line for the next start," Soroka said.
He is 8-1 with a 2.07 ERA in 13 starts this season.
ESPN's Eddie Matz contributed to this report.
