Braves Face Setbacks with Injuries to Fried and Albies
The Atlanta Braves are battling a wave of injuries that have sidelined key players, potentially impacting their playoff aspirations. The latest blow came when All-Star pitcher Max Fried was placed on the injured list due to left forearm neuritis. Fried experienced discomfort while warming up for Tuesday’s All-Star Game and reported the issue to the team shortly after.
"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. "Didn't feel like I was in any jeopardy of really hurting myself."
After traveling home and playing catch, Fried realized that the discomfort persisted. Subsequent tests revealed no structural damage, which was a relief for the Braves, though the issue is serious enough to necessitate time on the injured list.
"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.
Fried has been a pivotal figure for the Braves this season, boasting a 7-5 record with a 3.08 ERA, a 1.16 WHIP, and 95 strikeouts against 34 walks over 108 innings. The left-hander was the runner-up for the Cy Young award in 2022, underscoring his value to the team.
To fill the void left by Fried, the Braves have called up left-handed pitcher Dylan Dodd from the minors. The team will also rely heavily on pitchers Chris Sale, Reynaldo López, Charlie Morton, and Spencer Schwellenbach to maintain their pitching strength during Fried’s absence.
Injury Woes Compound with Albies
Adding to the team's difficulties, second baseman Ozzie Albies suffered a hand and wrist injury during the ninth inning of Sunday's game. Manager Brian Snitker's brief assessment of Albies’s condition was stark: "It's not good."
Albies has been an essential component of the Braves' lineup this season. Before his injury, he was hitting .255/.308/.403 with eight home runs across 89 games. This latest setback follows a toe fracture in April that had already cost Albies 10 days on the injured list.
Playoff Implications
Despite these challenges, the Braves maintain a strong position within the National League, holding the top Wild Card spot with a 54-44 record. Their depth and resilience will be tested as they navigate the remainder of the season without two of their star players.
The Braves are no strangers to adversity with injuries. Ronald Acuña Jr. tore his ACL in 2023, and Spencer Strider underwent Tommy John surgery in 2024. These past injuries have forced the Braves to frequently adapt and find new ways to keep their competitive edge sharp.
Forearm neuritis, the condition affecting Fried, involves the irritation or compression of the ulnar nerve. While Fried’s tests indicated no structural damage, the focus now shifts to ensuring the nerve irritation subsides and he can return to his pre-injury form.
The Braves’ medical team and coaching staff will need to manage these injuries carefully to sustain momentum. Every game will count in the tight race for playoff positioning, and the team’s upcoming schedule does not offer much in the way of respite.
The Braves’ strategy will likely involve careful rotation management and perhaps more strategic call-ups from the minors, like Dylan Dodd, to manage the increased workload on their remaining pitching staff. Their resilience in the face of these injuries will be pivotal for the rest of the season.
Atlanta’s fan base has reason for optimism, despite these setbacks. With a deep bench and proven track record of overcoming injuries, the Braves are well-equipped to handle these challenges. The upcoming weeks will reveal just how well they can continue to compete at the highest level despite these significant absences.