Max Fried Hits Injured List with Forearm Neuritis
The Atlanta Braves are set to face some turbulence as they navigate the second half of the season. All-Star pitcher Max Fried has been placed on the injured list due to left forearm neuritis, a setback he experienced while warming up for Tuesday's All-Star Game. This marks a significant blow to the Braves' rotation.
"Before the All-Star Game, I was warming up like I normally do and doing some arm circles," Fried explained. "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." The pitcher later disclosed that the discomfort persisted even after traveling back home and playing catch. "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 tests showed no structural damage, easing some concerns about a more severe injury.
Fried has been instrumental for the Braves this season. With a 7-5 record, a 3.08 ERA, and 95 strikeouts over 108 innings, his consistency on the mound has been critical. This follows a stellar 2022 season where he was the runner-up for the Cy Young award, further cementing his role as a key contributor.
To mitigate Fried’s absence, the Braves have called up left-handed pitcher Dylan Dodd from the minors. Dodd joins a pitching staff now heavily leaning on veterans Chris Sale, Reynaldo López, Charlie Morton, and hopefuls like Spencer Schwellenbach and the newcomer Dylan Dodd.
Ozzie Albies Joins the Injured List
The challenges for the Braves extend beyond their pitching rotation. Second baseman Ozzie Albies also heads to the injured list following a hand and wrist injury sustained during the ninth inning of Sunday’s game. Braves manager Brian Snitker’s assessment was candid: "It's not good," he said about Albies’s condition.
Albies has been a reliable presence in the Braves' lineup, managing a .255/.308/.403 line with eight home runs over 89 games this season. His latest injury adds to a challenging year, having already missed 10 days in April due to a toe fracture.
Position in the Standings
Despite these hurdles, the Braves maintain a strong position in the National League. They currently hold the top Wild Card spot with a 54-44 record. However, the loss of both Fried and Albies could impact their resilience in maintaining this lead as they navigate the challenging weeks ahead.
Adding to the Braves' woes are past injuries to key players. Ronald Acuña Jr.’s ACL tear in 2023 and Spencer Strider’s Tommy John surgery in 2024 are stark reminders of the team’s ongoing battle with injuries. This season’s injury list only compounds those difficulties, but the Braves have demonstrated resilience before and will need to do so again.
Medical Perspective
The team's medical staff is optimistic about Fried's recovery, given that forearm neuritis, although painful, often involves irritation or compression of the ulnar nerve rather than significant structural damage. The hope is that with rest and treatment, Fried can make a swift return to bolster the rotation.
Looking Ahead
The Braves will be dependent on their depth and the ability of their minor-league call-ups to step up during this critical juncture. The integration of Dylan Dodd will be keenly watched, along with the performances of seasoned pitchers like Sale and Morton. If the Braves can weather this storm and keep their key players healthy, they remain a formidable contender in the postseason hunt.
The coming weeks will be telling for Atlanta. Their ability to adapt, combined with the return of Fried and Albies in due course, will heavily influence their trajectory as the season progresses. Braves fans will be watching closely, hopeful that their team’s depth and spirit can carry them through this challenging period.