The Atlanta Braves are facing a challenging period as they grapple with the impact of injuries to key players. The latest setback came when All-Star pitcher Max Fried was placed on the injured list due to left forearm neuritis. This development occurred after Fried experienced discomfort while warming up for Tuesday’s All-Star Game. The Braves have called up left-handed pitcher Dylan Dodd from the minors to fill the void left by Fried.
Fried, who has been a cornerstone of the Braves' pitching lineup, holds a season record of 7-5 with a 3.08 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, and 95 strikeouts against 34 walks in 108 innings. The runner-up for the Cy Young award in 2022, Fried’s presence will be sorely missed. Despite the setback, Fried remains optimistic about his 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. 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.
Forearm Neuritis Explained
Forearm neuritis involves the irritation or compression of the ulnar nerve. Fortunately for the Braves and Fried, tests have shown no structural damage. Fried elaborated on his condition, saying, "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."
Impact on the Braves’ Lineup
The Braves' injury woes don’t end with Fried. Second baseman Ozzie Albies also finds himself on the injured list following a hand and wrist injury sustained during the ninth inning of Sunday's game. Braves manager Brian Snitker succinctly captured the gravity of the situation, stating, "It's not good." Albies had been a consistent performer with a .255/.308/.403 line and eight home runs in 89 games this season. His presence in the lineup will be missed.
Albies' injury compounds the challenges the Braves have faced with his health this season, having already missed 10 days in April due to a toe fracture. As the Braves navigate through these injuries, they will need to rely more heavily on their remaining lineup and call-ups from the minors to maintain their competitive edge.
Season Outlook and Recent Injuries
Despite these setbacks, the Braves maintain the top Wild Card spot in the National League with a 54-44 record. However, the road ahead is far from easy. The team has experienced other significant injuries this season, including Ronald Acuña Jr. tearing his ACL in 2023 and Spencer Strider undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2024. These injuries have necessitated adjustments in the roster and strategy.
In response to Fried's and Albies’ absences, the Braves will lean on pitchers like Chris Sale, Reynaldo López, Dylan Dodd, Charlie Morton, and Spencer Schwellenbach to steady the ship. Each of these pitchers will need to step up and fill the substantial gap left by Fried.
As the Braves look to maintain their position and push further into the season, their ability to adapt and leverage their depth will be crucial. Injuries are an inevitable part of any baseball season, but the resilience and response of the team can often define the trajectory of their campaign.
In the coming days, the performances of replacement pitchers and hitters will be scrutinized as the Braves look to stay competitive in the playoff race. The team's management and fanbase will be hopeful for quick recoveries and the return of their star players to full strength.