On the heels of the All-Star break, the Atlanta Braves have been dealt a significant blow with the announcement that All-Star pitcher Max Fried has been placed on the injured list due to left forearm neuritis. Fried experienced discomfort while warming up 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,” Fried explained. “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, who boasts a 7-5 record this season with a 3.08 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, and 95 strikeouts against 34 walks in 108 innings, initially shrugged off the discomfort. However, the concern persisted, prompting further action after the All-Star festivities.
“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,” said Fried. “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.”
To fill the gap left by Fried, the Braves have called up left-handed pitcher Dylan Dodd from the minors. Dodd will have big shoes to fill as Fried was the runner-up for the Cy Young award in 2022 and has been a cornerstone of the Braves' rotation.
The injuries do not end there for the Braves. Second baseman Ozzie Albies is also heading to the injured list after suffering a hand and wrist injury during the ninth inning of Sunday's game. Manager Brian Snitker remarked on Albies's condition, saying, “It's not good.”
Albies had been a significant contributor to the Braves' lineup this season, posting a .255/.308/.403 line with eight home runs across 89 games. This injury adds to the adversity Albies has faced this season, having already missed 10 days in April due to a toe fracture.
Despite these setbacks, the Braves have maintained their competitive edge and currently hold the top Wild Card spot in the National League with a 54-44 record. The team will now rely heavily on pitchers such as Chris Sale and Reynaldo López, along with the recently promoted Dylan Dodd, Charlie Morton, and Spencer Schwellenbach, as they navigate these injuries.
The Braves' resilience has been tested before with significant injuries to key players. Ronald Acuña Jr. tore his ACL in 2023, and Spencer Strider underwent Tommy John surgery in 2024. Yet, the team's depth and ability to adapt have kept them in contention.
For Fried, the immediate focus is on recovery. Forearm neuritis, which involves the irritation or compression of the ulnar nerve, can be a delicate condition, but the absence of structural damage is a positive sign.
The Braves and their fans hope that with rest and treatment, Fried can return to the mound soon to continue his standout season. As for Albies, the timeline for his return remains uncertain, but the Braves will need to adjust and find ways to compensate for the loss of their dynamic second baseman.