The Atlanta Braves have encountered a challenging week, placing All-Star pitcher Max Fried on the injured list due to left forearm neuritis. Fried experienced discomfort while warming up for Tuesday’s All-Star Game. In response to Fried’s absence, the Braves called up left-handed pitcher Dylan Dodd from the minors.
Max Fried’s Injury
Fried's injury is concerning for the Braves, given his stellar performance this season. He boasts a 7-5 record, a 3.08 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, and 95 strikeouts against 34 walks over 108 innings. This season's performance follows a strong 2022 when Fried was the runner-up for the Cy Young award. Despite the formidable stats, Fried conveyed a mix of hope and caution regarding his 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. He elaborated, “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.”
The Braves’ Roster Adjustments
The Braves are optimistic about Fried's recovery, spurred by tests confirming no structural damage. However, they must navigate his absence with strategic pitching changes. Alongside Fried's injury, second baseman Ozzie Albies also heads to the injured list following a hand and wrist injury during Sunday's game. Manager Brian Snitker underscored the severity of Albies's condition, succinctly stating, "It's not good."
Ozzie Albies’ Season
Albies’s injury marks another setback after a toe fracture-benched him for ten days in April. Before this latest incident, Albies recorded a .255/.308/.403 line with eight home runs across 89 games. His absence will likely challenge the Braves’ infield dynamics and overall offensive strategy.
Current Standings
Despite these injuries, the Braves hold the top Wild Card spot in the National League, boasting a 54-44 record. The team’s resilience will be tested as they depend on pitchers Chris Sale, Reynaldo López, Dylan Dodd, Charlie Morton, and Spencer Schwellenbach to fill the voids. Particularly, Dodd’s call-up from the minors will be crucial in the rotation to offset Fried’s high-caliber presence on the mound.
Historical Injuries
The Braves have had their fair share of injurious hits in recent years. Notably, Ronald Acuña Jr. suffered an ACL tear in 2023, and Spencer Strider underwent Tommy John surgery in 2024. These incidents underscore the Braves' tenacity in battling through player absences, maintaining competitive standings despite significant setbacks.
Understanding Forearm Neuritis
Forearm neuritis, the condition affecting Fried, involves irritation or compression of the ulnar nerve. Though not structurally damaging, managing this type of injury requires patience and careful rehabilitation, factors the Braves will need to navigate prudently to ensure Fried’s complete recovery and return to peak performance.
As Fried focuses on his recovery and the team adapts to these challenges, the Braves' journey ahead will undoubtedly demand depth, discipline, and determination. The coming weeks will be a true test of their resilience and strategic acumen as they strive to maintain their stronghold in the National League.