The Atlanta Braves have hit a rough patch with the recent placement of All-Star pitcher Max Fried on the injured list due to left forearm neuritis. This news comes at a crucial point in the season, adding pressure to the team's already challenging circumstances.
Fried, who was warming up for Tuesday’s All-Star Game, initially felt some discomfort. "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 explained. Despite his optimism, the discomfort persisted, prompting further action.
After resting the day following the All-Star Game and still experiencing discomfort, Fried took the responsible step of reporting 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." This diagnosis brings some relief, as tests revealed no structural damage, but it leaves a significant gap in the Braves' pitching lineup.
In response, the Braves have called up left-handed pitcher Dylan Dodd from the minors to mitigate Fried’s absence. With a record of 7-5, a 3.08 ERA, a 1.16 WHIP, and 95 strikeouts against 34 walks in 108 innings this season, Fried has been a cornerstone of the Braves' pitching staff, even coming in as the runner-up for the Cy Young award in 2022.
Ozzie Albies Joins Fried on Injured List
The Braves' injury woes don't end with Fried. Second baseman Ozzie Albies has also been sidelined due to a hand and wrist injury sustained during the ninth inning of Sunday’s game. Albies, who has been a key player for the team, was hitting .255/.308/.403 with eight home runs across 89 games this season before his injury. His condition has clearly troubled the team, with manager Brian Snitker succinctly stating, "It's not good."
This isn’t the first time Albies has faced injury challenges this season. He previously missed ten days in April following a toe fracture. As Albies heads to the injured list, the Braves face the difficult task of filling yet another pivotal position.
Braves' Current Standing and Future Challenges
Despite these setbacks, the Braves continue to hold the top Wild Card spot in the National League, boasting a 54-44 record. This success has been a team effort, but injuries to key players like Fried and Albies present significant hurdles.
To navigate the upcoming games, the Braves will need to rely heavily on their remaining pitching talent, including Chris Sale, Reynaldo López, Dylan Dodd, Charlie Morton, and Spencer Schwellenbach. While the loss of key players like Ronald Acuña Jr., who tore his ACL in 2023, and Spencer Strider, who underwent Tommy John surgery in 2024, have previously tested the team’s resilience, they have managed to hold their ground. The current situation will demand similar perseverance and strategic adjustments.
Forearm neuritis, the condition affecting Fried, involves the irritation or compression of the ulnar nerve. Though this can be concerning for a pitcher, the absence of structural damage in Fried’s arm is a note of optimism. With appropriate rest and care, there is hope that he can return to the mound soon.
As the Braves move forward, they face the dual task of maintaining their competitive edge while managing the physical health of their roster. The upcoming games will be a true test of the team’s depth and adaptability.
The situation underscores the unpredictable nature of sports, where even a momentary discomfort can sideline an All-Star, and a single play can impact a season. For the Atlanta Braves, the path ahead demands vigilance, strategy, and a bit of hopeful anticipation that their stars will heal and return to lead the team once again.