Max Fried Hits Injured List
The Atlanta Braves have dealt with a significant blow, placing All-Star pitcher Max Fried on the injured list due to left forearm neuritis. Fried experienced discomfort while warming up for Tuesday’s All-Star Game, causing concern for both the player and the team. Despite his attempts to downplay the issue, Fried eventually had to acknowledge the seriousness of the situation.
"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," said Fried.
Subsequent evaluation revealed that Fried’s tests showed no structural damage, but it was clear that rest and recovery were necessary. "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.
To compensate for Fried’s absence, the Braves called up left-handed pitcher Dylan Dodd from the minors. Fried's record this season stands at 7-5, with an impressive 3.08 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, and 95 strikeouts against 34 walks in 108 innings. His performance has been stellar, and he was even the runner-up for the Cy Young award in 2022.
Ozzie Albies Joins Fried on Injured List
The Braves were hit with another setback when second baseman Ozzie Albies suffered a hand and wrist injury during the ninth inning of Sunday's game. Albies, who had already missed 10 days in April due to a toe fracture, is now heading to the injured list as well. Manager Brian Snitker summed up the situation poignantly, saying, "It's not good."
Before his injury, Albies had a .255/.308/.403 line with eight home runs in 89 games this season, offering a consistent contribution to the Braves' offense. Losing both Fried and Albies at this juncture of the season is particularly challenging given the team's current standing.
Injuries and Team Dynamics
The Braves are holding the top Wild Card spot in the National League with a 54-44 record. Sustainability of this position will be tested as the team navigates through these injuries. The past injuries to key players have already taken their toll. Ronald Acuña Jr. tore his ACL in 2023, and Spencer Strider underwent Tommy John surgery in 2024. However, the Braves have shown resilience, with a strong rotation that now also relies on pitchers Chris Sale and Reynaldo López, along with Dylan Dodd, Charlie Morton, and Spencer Schwellenbach.
Understanding the complexity of Fried’s condition, forearm neuritis involves the irritation or compression of the ulnar nerve, a crucial detail that informs his recovery prospects. While the exact timeline for his return remains uncertain, the absence of structural damage brings a sigh of relief to the Braves’ medical staff and management. Allowing the sensory nerve to calm down looks to be the primary focus in Fried’s recovery plan.
As the Braves look to fortify their position in the league, the upcoming games will be a true test of their depth and resilience. The team’s management and fans alike will be keeping a close watch on the developments surrounding Fried and Albies, both of whom play integral roles in their quest for postseason success. The focus now shifts to the performance of the remaining roster and how they can step up during this challenging period.
Conclusion
The Atlanta Braves face a challenging period with the injuries to Max Fried and Ozzie Albies. The team's ability to adapt and persist through these setbacks will be crucial as they aim to maintain their top Wild Card spot in the National League. With a mix of seasoned players and new call-ups like Dylan Dodd, the Braves have the opportunity to showcase their depth and determination in the upcoming weeks. The support from the fans and the strategic decisions by the coaching staff will play a pivotal role in navigating this adversity and keeping the team’s aspirations alive.