In a surprising turn of events for the Atlanta Braves, All-Star pitcher Max Fried has been placed on the injured list due to left forearm neuritis, a condition involving the irritation or compression of the ulnar nerve. The condition first manifested while Fried was warming up for Tuesday's All-Star Game. Despite feeling discomfort, Fried initially dismissed it, thinking it was a minor issue. "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 shared.
However, the discomfort persisted, prompting the Braves to take further action. "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. Fortunately, tests have confirmed there is no structural damage, but the Braves will err on the side of caution.
To fill the gap left by Fried's absence, the Braves have called up left-handed pitcher Dylan Dodd from the minors. As the team navigates this setback, Fried's season thus far has been commendable with a 7-5 record, a 3.08 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, and 95 strikeouts against 34 walks in 108 innings. He was also the runner-up for the Cy Young award in 2022, reflecting his critical role in the Braves' pitching lineup.
Albies to Injury List
In yet another blow to the Braves, second baseman Ozzie Albies has also been sidelined due to a hand and wrist injury sustained during the ninth inning of Sunday's game. Manager Brian Snitker succinctly summarized the impact of Albies's condition, stating, "It's not good." This recent injury adds to a season already interrupted for Albies, who missed 10 days in April due to a toe fracture. Before his current setback, Albies had a .255/.308/.403 line with eight home runs in 89 games this season.
Braves' Current Standing
Despite these injuries, the Braves have managed to maintain their competitive edge, holding the top Wild Card spot in the National League with a 54-44 record. The team's resilience will undoubtedly be tested as they cope with the loss of key players.
Reliance on Pitching Depth
The Braves' pitching depth will be instrumental in weathering this storm. Apart from Dylan Dodd, the team will look to depend on Chris Sale, Reynaldo López, Charlie Morton, and Spencer Schwellenbach to shoulder the load. This ensemble of talent, despite the challenges, offers a glimmer of hope for maintaining their standing in the league.
Ronald Acuña Jr., who tore his ACL in 2023, and Spencer Strider, who underwent Tommy John surgery in 2024, are no strangers to the adversity faced by the Braves. Their recoveries and the collective effort of the team will be pivotal in this crucial phase of the season.
The road ahead for the Braves is fraught with challenges, but the team's storied history and resilient spirit may once again see them through difficult times.