Walker Buehler's exit puts damper on Dodgers' win over Braves

A prized 23-year-old right-hander who cranks his fastball up to 98 mph was pulled from a game because of injury Friday night, causing consternation for a Los Angeles-area team and its fans.

While Shohei Ohtani suffered an elbow ligament injury that could sideline the two-way star for months, Dodgers rookie Walker Buehler left a 7-3 victory over the Atlanta Braves after 51/3 innings because of rib soreness.

Buehler, who was hit in the ribs by a line drive on May 21 against Colorado, underwent X-rays and was not available after the game, but the injury does not appear serious enough to sideline him for an extended period.

“That’s the hope, that it’s just a bruise,” manager Dave Roberts said. “We…