Braves reliever Motte strains back during warmup

WASHINGTON – Braves reliever Jason Motte was supposed to pitch the seventh inning Sunday against the Nationals but had to pull out after straining his back on a warmup pitch in the bullpen just before he was to enter the game.

The veteran former Cardinals closer said he felt tightness and knew better than to try to push through it for fear that it would become something more serious. He was examined in the training room afterward and declared structurally sound, and given anti-inflammatory medication.

The Braves, who lost 10-5 Sunday and split the four-game series, will see how Motte feels after taking the meds and getting a few days of rest over the All-Star break before they reconvene for a workout Thursday and their second-half opener Friday.