The Atlanta Braves are facing a challenging situation as they've had to place their All-Star pitcher Max Fried on the injured list due to left forearm neuritis. The discomfort stemmed from his warm-up routine ahead of Tuesday's All-Star Game, an event where Fried was expected to shine.
In his own words, Fried explained 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." Unfortunately, the discomfort didn't subside, leading to further action upon his return home. "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's absence leaves a notable gap in the Braves' rotation. This season, he has compiled a commendable record of 7-5 with a 3.08 ERA, a 1.16 WHIP, and racked up 95 strikeouts against 34 walks over 108 innings. His performance has been integral to the Braves' success, especially given his runner-up finish for the Cy Young award in 2022.
To mitigate Fried's absence, the Braves have called up left-handed pitcher Dylan Dodd from the minors. Dodd will join the likes of Chris Sale, Reynaldo López, Charlie Morton, and Spencer Schwellenbach in trying to maintain the team's pitching standards.
But it's not just Fried who's sidelined. Second baseman Ozzie Albies has also been struck by injuries, this time with a hand and wrist issue sustained during the ninth inning of Sunday’s game. Braves' manager Brian Snitker succinctly summarized his condition: "It's not good."
Albies, who had already missed 10 days in April due to a toe fracture, is now heading back to the injured list. Up to his most recent injury, Albies posted a .255/.308/.403 line with eight home runs over 89 games this season. His contributions at the plate and in the field will undoubtedly be missed as the Braves navigate these injury setbacks.
The Braves, currently holding the top Wild Card spot in the National League with a 54-44 record, are no strangers to overcoming adversity. History has shown they’ve dealt with significant injuries to key players before. Ronald Acuña Jr.'s torn ACL in 2023 and Spencer Strider’s Tommy John surgery in 2024 are fresh reminders. These challenges have tested the team's depth and resilience, and this latest spate of injuries will be no different.
As the Braves aim to maintain their Wild Card lead, the next few weeks will be critical. All eyes will be on how the team can rally in the absence of Fried and Albies. While the prognosis for Fried is hopeful, given that his tests showed no structural damage and the irritation involves only a sensory nerve, a clear timeline for his return remains uncertain.
In the meantime, Braves fans will look to the rest of the roster to step up. The coming games will be a test of the team's depth, strategic adjustments, and mental fortitude. With experienced names like Chris Sale and promising talents such as Dylan Dodd stepping into larger roles, there remains cautious optimism amid the recent adversities.
The Atlanta Braves have weathered the storm of injuries before and are certainly equipped to do so again. The upcoming stretch will require not just talent, but the grit and determination that have defined this resilient ball club.