The Atlanta Braves have encountered a significant setback as they have placed their All-Star pitcher, Max Fried, on the injured list due to left forearm neuritis. This news arrives after Fried experienced discomfort while warming up for Tuesday's All-Star Game. To mitigate Fried's absence, the Braves have called up left-handed pitcher Dylan Dodd from the minors.
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, was the runner-up for the Cy Young award in 2022. Providing insights into his current condition, Fried shared, "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."
Despite the initial disregard of the discomfort, Fried realized the necessity for caution. "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 elaborated.
In a separate but equally disheartening development, the Braves have also placed second baseman Ozzie Albies on the injured list following a hand and wrist injury sustained during the ninth inning of Sunday’s game. Expressing his concerns on Albies's condition, Braves manager Brian Snitker succinctly stated, "It's not good."
Albies, who posted a .255/.308/.403 line with eight home runs in 89 games this season before his injury, had already missed 10 days in April due to a toe fracture. His absence adds to the Braves' mounting challenges as they navigate a season already riddled with significant injuries to key players.
Adding to the Braves' injury woes, outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. tore his ACL in 2023, and pitcher Spencer Strider underwent Tommy John surgery in 2024. Despite these setbacks, the Braves stand resilient, holding the top Wild Card spot in the National League with a 54-44 record. The team aims to maintain its competitive edge with the pitching prowess of Chris Sale, Reynaldo López, Dylan Dodd, Charlie Morton, and Spencer Schwellenbach.
Forearm neuritis, which has sidelined Fried, involves the irritation or compression of the ulnar nerve, yet tests have fortunately shown no structural damage. Fried’s optimistic outlook on his recovery underscores his determination to return to the mound swiftly and bolster the Braves' pitching rotation.
As the Braves navigate these injury-induced tribulations, their depth and resilience will be put to the test. With Dodd stepping up and veterans like Sale and Morton anchoring the rotation, the team hopes to continue its pursuit of postseason success. The next few weeks will be crucial as the Braves adapt to these challenges, striving to maintain their standing and deliver consistent performances amid adversity.