The Atlanta Braves have encountered a significant setback with All-Star pitcher Max Fried being placed on the injured list due to left forearm neuritis. The ailment, which involves the irritation or compression of the ulnar nerve, surfaced while Fried was warming up for Tuesday’s All-Star Game. Despite undergoing tests that indicated no structural damage, Fried will need time to let the nerve calm down before he can return to the mound.
Fried detailed the moment of discomfort: "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." However, the discomfort persisted. "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."
To offset Fried’s absence, the Braves have called up left-handed pitcher Dylan Dodd from the minors. The prospect will join a rotation that includes Chris Sale, Reynaldo López, Charlie Morton, and Spencer Schwellenbach. Fried's season prior to the injury has been commendable, with a 7-5 record, a 3.08 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, and 95 strikeouts against 34 walks over 108 innings. His 2022 performance, which saw him as the runner-up for the Cy Young award, further underscores the gravity of his absence.
Injury Woes Continue for the Braves
Adding to the Braves’ injury woes, second baseman Ozzie Albies is also heading to the injured list after suffering a hand and wrist injury during the ninth inning of Sunday's game. Manager Brian Snitker succinctly summed up the impact of Albies’s injury: "It's not good."
Albies has had a challenging season, further complicated by a toe fracture that sidelined him for 10 days in April. Before his latest injury, Albies had managed a .255/.308/.403 line with eight home runs over 89 games. As a crucial component of the Braves' lineup, his absence will be deeply felt.
The Braves' Battle in the NL
Despite these setbacks, the Braves continue to hold the top Wild Card spot in the National League with a 54-44 record. Moving forward, the team will need to rely heavily on their current roster and the freshly called-up Dodd. The pitching staff will seek contributions from veterans like Charlie Morton and newer faces such as Spencer Schwellenbach, particularly in the wake of other significant injuries including Ronald Acuña Jr. tearing his ACL in 2023, and Spencer Strider undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2024.
The forthcoming weeks will test the Braves' roster depth and resilience as they navigate these injuries, especially with critical players like Fried and Albies sidelined. Their ability to maintain their spot in the standings will hinge on both their veterans and newer talents stepping up in these crucial times.