In a turn of events that has the Atlanta Braves on high alert, All-Star pitcher Max Fried has been placed on the injured list due to left forearm neuritis. Fried initially felt discomfort while warming up for Tuesday’s All-Star Game but did not consider it severe at the time. "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," Fried said.
The Braves’ medical evaluations show that Fried's condition does not involve structural damage, which is a silver lining in an otherwise concerning situation. "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 elaborated. This diagnosis comes as a relief as forearm neuritis, irritation or compression of the ulnar nerve, can lead to more severe issues if not properly managed.
Pivoting Pitching Staff
The Braves have called up left-handed pitcher Dylan Dodd from the minors to fill the void left by Fried. Dodd will join a rotation that already faces the challenge of compensating for injuries to other key players, including Chris Sale and Reynaldo López. The team also relies on veterans like Charlie Morton and young prospects such as Spencer Schwellenbach to step up as they strive to maintain their top Wild Card spot in the National League, boasting a 54-44 record.
Fried, who holds a season record of 7-5 with a 3.08 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, and 95 strikeouts against 34 walks in 108 innings, has been a cornerstone for the Braves. He was also the runner-up for the Cy Young award in 2022. His absence will undoubtedly be felt, but the unanimous sentiment is to prioritize his full recovery and avoid any long-term repercussions.
Albies’s Unfortunate Injury
In a separate blow to the Braves, second baseman Ozzie Albies is also heading to the injured list, having suffered a hand and wrist injury during the ninth inning of Sunday's game. Manager Brian Snitker's succinct assessment of Albies's condition was, "It's not good." Before this setback, Albies was contributing solidly to the team's efforts with a .255/.308/.403 line and eight home runs over 89 games this season. This marks his second stint on the injured list this year, as he missed 10 days in April due to a toe fracture.
Resilience Amidst Adversity
Despite these setbacks, the Braves continue to show resilience. Their ability to adapt to player injuries has been tested before, as evidenced by Ronald Acuña Jr.'s ACL tear in 2023 and Spencer Strider undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2024. The team's current predicament underscores the depth and flexibility of their roster, and how both seasoned players and up-and-coming talent are proving crucial in sustaining their competitive edge.
The coming weeks will be pivotal as the Braves navigate these injuries and aim to solidify their standing in the league. Fans and analysts alike will be keenly observing how the team maneuvers through these challenges, with hopes pinned on the swift and full recovery of both Max Fried and Ozzie Albies.