In a significant development for the Atlanta Braves, All-Star pitcher Max Fried has been placed on the injured list due to left forearm neuritis. Fried, who felt discomfort while warming up for Tuesday's All-Star Game, discussed his condition, highlighting the unexpected nature of the injury. "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.
Despite this initial confidence, the discomfort persisted, prompting further action. "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 added.
The Braves have called up left-handed pitcher Dylan Dodd from the minors to fill the gap left by Fried's absence. Fried's impact on the team this season has been profound, boasting a record of 7-5 with a 3.08 ERA. He has struck out 95 batters against 34 walks in 108 innings. This follows a successful 2022 season where he was the runner-up for the Cy Young award.
In another blow to the Braves, second baseman Ozzie Albies is also headed to the injured list following a hand and wrist injury sustained during the ninth inning of Sunday's game. Manager Brian Snitker succinctly expressed the team's sentiment: "It's not good." Albies, who has already missed 10 days earlier in the season due to a toe fracture, had been performing with a .255/.308/.403 line and eight home runs over 89 games.
The Braves, currently holding the top Wild Card spot in the National League with a 54-44 record, are facing numerous challenges. In addition to Fried and Albies' injuries, the team has contended with significant setbacks in recent years. Outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. suffered a torn ACL in 2023, while pitcher Spencer Strider underwent Tommy John surgery in 2024.
The absence of key players has compelled the Braves to rely heavily on their depth. The pitching staff, in particular, will look to veterans like Chris Sale and Reynaldo López, alongside younger arms such as Dylan Dodd, Charlie Morton, and Spencer Schwellenbach, to navigate this critical period.
Forearm neuritis, the condition sidelining Fried, involves the irritation or compression of the ulnar nerve, which fortunately has not shown any structural damage in Fried's case. The expectation is that proper rest and care will allow him to return to the mound without long-term repercussions.
The Braves demonstrate resilience as they balance immediate needs with long-term goals. Despite the injuries, the team remains in contention, driven by a combination of experienced players and emerging talent. The coming weeks will test their depth and resolve, as they aim to maintain their position in the playoff race and ensure their key players recover fully.