The Atlanta Braves have been dealt a significant blow as All-Star pitcher Max Fried has been placed on the injured list due to left forearm neuritis. The Braves, looking to maintain their lead in the National League Wild Card race, now face a challenge with one of their key players sidelined. Fried experienced discomfort while warming up for Tuesday’s All-Star Game, leading to his current condition.
"Before the All-Star Game, I was warming up like I normally do and doing some arm circles. Felt something and didn't think much of it," Fried recounted. "In this game, you feel things all the time. Normally they go away. Didn't feel like I was in any jeopardy of really hurting myself."
Unfortunately for Fried and the Braves, the discomfort did not subside. "Took the day off after the game to travel home. Came in, played catch and still was feeling it. At that point, knew I probably should say something if I wasn't going to be able to make my start. Got tests done, everything structurally looks great. Just irritated a sensory nerve, not one of the major muscle functioning nerves. Just going to let it calm down and hopefully be back soon," Fried explained.
Pitching Rotation in Flux
In response to Fried's absence, the Braves have called up left-handed pitcher Dylan Dodd from the minors. The rookie will now have the opportunity to step in and contribute at the major league level. Fried's current season record stands at 7-5, with a commendable 3.08 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, and 95 strikeouts against 34 walks over 108 innings, affirming his critical role in the Braves' rotation. In 2022, Fried was the runner-up for the Cy Young award, further solidifying his stature as one of the league’s standout pitchers.
The Braves' pitching needs do not end there. They will also be relying on a mix of pitchers including Chris Sale, Reynaldo López, Charlie Morton, and Spencer Schwellenbach as they aim to navigate this challenging period. The team’s flexibility and depth in pitching staff will be tested in the coming weeks.
Additional Injury Concerns
The Braves' injury woes extend beyond Fried. Second baseman Ozzie Albies suffered a hand and wrist injury during the ninth inning of Sunday's game, prompting him to head to the injured list as well. Before his injury, Albies posted a .255/.308/.403 line with eight home runs in 89 games this season. His absence will be felt significantly in the Braves' lineup.
Manager Brian Snitker succinctly summed up Albies's condition: "It's not good."
This is not the first time this season that Albies has faced injury challenges. In April, he missed 10 days due to a toe fracture. His current injury compounds the Braves' challenges as they seek to maintain their competitive edge in the league.
Braves’ Current Standing
Despite these setbacks, the Braves hold the top Wild Card spot in the National League with a 54-44 record. Maintaining this position will require grit and an all-hands-on-deck approach from the entire roster.
The Braves' season has been marred by injuries to key players. Ronald Acuña Jr. tore his ACL in 2023, and Spencer Strider underwent Tommy John surgery in 2024. Yet, the team has managed to remain competitive, showcasing their resilience and depth.
Forearm neuritis, the condition that has sidelined Fried, involves the irritation or compression of the ulnar nerve. Fortunately for Fried, tests have indicated no structural damage, providing a glimmer of hope for a relatively quick recovery.
The Braves' immediate future will hinge upon their ability to adapt to these injuries and the performance of their replacement players. Both the team's management and fans will be closely watching how the new additions, like Dylan Dodd, handle the pressure of stepping into pivotal roles during such a critical juncture of the season.
As the Braves navigate these choppy waters, their consistent performance so far this season serves as a strong foundation. While the path forward is challenging, the team's depth and resilience may yet see them through this period of adversity.