The Atlanta Braves are facing a challenging period as they place All-Star pitcher Max Fried on the injured list due to left forearm neuritis, and second baseman Ozzie Albies also heads to the injured list with a hand and wrist injury.
Max Fried’s Injury and Impact
Max Fried, who felt discomfort while warming up for the All-Star Game Tuesday, has been diagnosed with left forearm neuritis. Despite initial worries, tests have shown no structural damage, giving the Braves a sigh of relief. However, the irritation and compression of the ulnar nerve require a stint on the injured list.
"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.
He further added, "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 season performance has been instrumental for the Braves, who currently hold the top Wild Card spot in the National League with a 54-44 record. With a 7-5 season record, a 3.08 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, and 95 strikeouts against 34 walks in 108 innings, Fried upholds his stature as a top pitcher, further cemented by being the runner-up for the Cy Young award in 2022.
Challenges Continue with Ozzie Albies
Adding to their woes, the Braves will also be without Ozzie Albies. The second baseman suffered a hand and wrist injury during the ninth inning of Sunday's game. Manager Brian Snitker was candid about the situation, saying, "It's not good."
Before his injury, Albies had posted a .255/.308/.403 line with eight home runs over 89 games this season. His contributions have been vital, although his season has been hampered by injuries—he previously missed ten days in April due to a toe fracture.
Adjustments and Reinforcements
With Fried on the injured list, the Braves have called up left-handed pitcher Dylan Dodd from the minors to fill the gap. Alongside Dodd, the Braves will rely on pitchers Chris Sale, Reynaldo López, Charlie Morton, and Spencer Schwellenbach to maintain their rotation's effectiveness.
Injuries have plagued the Braves' roster beyond Fried and Albies. Ronald Acuña Jr. tore his ACL in 2023, and Spencer Strider underwent Tommy John surgery in 2024. These setbacks have forced the team to adapt and find ways to stay competitive.
Outlook
Despite this storm of injuries, the Braves are unwavering in their quest for postseason success. While Fried and Albies recuperate, the team will need substantial contributions from their replacements to sustain their strong position within the National League. With dynamic strategies and new talents stepping in, the Braves are determined to navigate this adversity.