The Atlanta Braves have hit another stumbling block in their bid for postseason contention. The team announced that All-Star pitcher Max Fried has been placed on the injured list due to left forearm neuritis. This development comes after Fried experienced discomfort during warm-ups for Tuesday’s All-Star Game.
"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," said Fried. "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."
This setback for Fried puts a significant hole in the Braves' pitching arsenal. His impressive season record of 7-5, coupled with a 3.08 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, and 95 strikeouts against 34 walks in 108 innings, has made him a pivotal figure for Atlanta. As a runner-up for the Cy Young award in 2022, his presence on the mound has been vital for the Braves.
In an immediate response to Fried's absence, the Braves called up left-handed pitcher Dylan Dodd from the minors. Dodd will need to acclimate quickly as Atlanta looks to maintain its grip on the top Wild Card spot in the National League, a position they currently hold with a 54-44 record.
Injuries Continue to Plague the Braves
Adding to the Braves' woes, second baseman Ozzie Albies suffered a hand and wrist injury during the ninth inning of Sunday's game, leading to his placement on the injured list as well. Manager Brian Snitker summed up the team's sentiments succinctly, stating, "It's not good."
Ozzie Albies had been an essential piece of Atlanta's lineup, carrying a .255/.308/.403 slash line with eight home runs in 89 games this season. His contribution had been felt both offensively and defensively, and his absence will be yet another challenge for the Braves to overcome. Notably, Albies had already missed 10 days in April due to a toe fracture.
Looking for Reinforcements
The injuries to key players have forced Atlanta to find alternatives. The Braves are expected to rely on pitchers Chris Sale and Reynaldo López, as well as Dylan Dodd, Charlie Morton, and Spencer Schwellenbach, to fill the void left by Fried’s absence. This ensemble will need to gel quickly if the Braves are to maintain their playoff push.
Encouragingly for Braves fans, Freed's medical tests have shown no structural damage. Fried himself downplayed the severity, explaining, "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."
In Perspective
Injuries have played a significant role in shaping the Braves' season. Outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. tore his ACL in 2023, and pitcher Spencer Strider underwent Tommy John surgery in 2024, further complicating the Braves' roster. These absences have led to a rotating cast filling in crucial positions, with varying degrees of success.
Forearm neuritis, which involves the irritation or compression of the ulnar nerve, can be particularly tricky to manage. However, the absence of structural damage in Fried's case provides a glimmer of hope for a swift recovery. The Braves' medical team and coaching staff will undoubtedly monitor Fried's progress closely.
As the Braves navigate these challenging times, the contributions from their minor league call-ups and existing roster will become increasingly pivotal. The resilience and adaptability of this team will be tested, and their response could define their season. With the top Wild Card spot within their grasp, every game will be critical moving forward.