In a move that could significantly impact their postseason aspirations, the Atlanta Braves have placed All-Star pitcher Max Fried on the injured list due to left forearm neuritis. Fried, who was warming up for Tuesday's All-Star Game when he felt discomfort, acknowledged the situation but expressed optimism about his recovery.
"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. 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," Fried said after the news was announced.
The Braves have responded by calling up left-handed pitcher Dylan Dodd from the minors to fill the void created by Fried’s absence. Dodd, along with Chris Sale, Reynaldo López, Charlie Morton, and Spencer Schwellenbach, will be crucial in maintaining the team’s pitching strength during Fried's recovery period.
This injury comes at a particularly challenging time for the Braves, as they hold the top Wild Card spot in the National League with a record of 54-44. Fried has been a cornerstone of the Atlanta rotation this season, boasting a 7-5 record, a 3.08 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, and racking up 95 strikeouts against 34 walks over 108 innings. His performance this year builds upon his impressive 2022 campaign, where he finished as the runner-up for the Cy Young award.
Despite the injury, tests on Fried have shown no structural damage. The diagnosis of forearm neuritis, which involves the irritation or compression of the ulnar nerve, appears to be the best-case scenario for Fried.
"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 elaborated.
Albies' Injury Another Blow
Adding to the Braves’ woes, second baseman Ozzie Albies suffered a hand and wrist injury during the ninth inning of Sunday’s game, and he too is heading to the injured list. Albies, who has already endured a toe fracture earlier this season that sidelined him for ten days in April, was batting .255/.308/.403 with eight home runs in 89 games this season before his latest setback.
Braves manager Brian Snitker did not mince words about Albies' condition, stating, "It's not good." The loss of Albies, a pivotal figure both offensively and defensively, poses yet another hurdle for the team as they navigate the critical stages of the season.
A Team Battling Adversity
The Braves' resilience will undoubtedly be tested in the coming weeks. They have already shown determination by holding a strong position in the Wild Card race despite facing numerous injuries. Ronald Acuña Jr. tore his ACL in 2023, and pitcher Spencer Strider underwent Tommy John surgery in 2024, yet the team kept pushing forward.
Behind the scenes, the Braves are likely strategizing on how to manage these player absences while maintaining their competitive edge. Players like Dylan Dodd will need to rise to the occasion, and veterans such as Chris Sale and Reynaldo López will be counted on for stability. Fried’s hope for a quick recovery will be crucial to reinvigorating the team’s rotation as they aim to solidify their playoff position.
The Braves and their fans will be keeping close watch on the rehabilitation progress of both Fried and Albies, hoping both can return swiftly and contribute to what has the potential to be a memorable season. As the team endeavors to overcome these challenges, the depth of their roster and the spirit within the clubhouse will be essential in weathering this storm.