MLB notebook: Braves have an abundance of starting pitching

As they entered the season, the Atlanta Braves were hoping to just hang on through the first month while they waited for Mike Minor and Gavin Floyd to join a depleted rotation.

Instead, manager Fredi Gonzalez faces a different problem for the Braves: Making room for another arm in a rotation enjoying the majors’ best opening month in 100 years?

There’s no weak link as the starters’ 1.57 ERA easily leads the majors.

Veterans Ervin Santana and Aaron Harang have joined Julio Teheran and Alex Wood as the first-place Braves’ new leaders.

Minor, a projected starter before suffering a shoulder injury, is expected to come off the disabled list this week.

According to STATS, the 1.57 ERA through 24 games matches baseball’s best start since the 1914 White Sox opened with a 1.36 mark. The 1915 Phillies starters also had a 1.57 ERA through 24 games.

Reds seek answers

The Reds are asking for more information from Major League Baseball about the replay dispute that led to Bryan Price’s first ejection as manager.

Price was ejected during the first inning of Cincinnati’s 1-0 loss in 10 innings at Atlanta on Sunday. Price asked for a replay after B.J. Upton was called safe at first base on Johnny Cueto’s pickoff throw.

The replay was deemed inconclusive and the call stood. When Price came out to discuss it he was ejected immediately. He thought the replay showed Upton was out.

Surgery for Harper

Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper reportedly is going to be sidelined at least until July because he’ll need surgery on his left thumb.

He was hurt Friday night on a headfirst slide into third base on a triple against San Diego.

D-backs get Harrell

The Arizona Diamondbacks have acquired right-hander Lucas Harrell from the Houston Astros for a player to be named later.