The Atlanta Braves have entered the second half of the season facing a critical juncture, as they placed their All-Star pitcher, Max Fried, on the injured list due to left forearm neuritis. Fried, who felt discomfort while warming up for Tuesday’s All-Star Game, reported the issue after feeling something unusual during his usual pre-game routine.
"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 a day of rest and attempts to shake off the discomfort, the lingering sensation prompted Fried to seek medical advice. "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," said Fried.
With Fried’s absence, the Braves have called up left-handed pitcher Dylan Dodd from the minors to fill the gap. Fried's season has been impressive, with a 7-5 record, a 3.08 ERA, a 1.16 WHIP, and 95 strikeouts against 34 walks in 108 innings. His performance has been pivotal for the Braves, who currently hold the top Wild Card spot in the National League with a 54-44 record.
Trouble Continues for Albies
As if Fried’s injury wasn’t enough of a setback, the Braves are also dealing with the loss of second baseman Ozzie Albies, who suffered a hand and wrist injury during the ninth inning of Sunday's game. Manager Brian Snitker offered a somber assessment, stating, "It's not good."
Before his injury, Albies had a .255/.308/.403 line with eight home runs in 89 games. This latest incident adds to a challenging season for Albies, who had already missed 10 days in April due to a toe fracture. His consistent presence and contributions will be missed as the Braves navigate the crucial stages of their season.
Adjusting the Roster
In an attempt to bolster their pitching lineup amidst these injuries, the Braves are expected to rely on a combination of Chris Sale, Reynaldo López, Dylan Dodd, Charlie Morton, and Spencer Schwellenbach. The dynamic of the team has previously been impacted by significant medical setbacks, including Ronald Acuña Jr.’s ACL tear in 2023 and Spencer Strider’s Tommy John surgery in 2024.
Forearm neuritis, the condition that has sidelined Fried, involves the irritation or compression of the ulnar nerve. The good news for Braves fans is that Fried’s tests have shown no structural damage, indicating that his condition is not worse than initially feared. The focus will now be on his recovery and return to the mound as the team fights for postseason glory.
In the interim, the Braves will look to maintain their competitive edge, drawing on the skills and determination of their roster depth. With Albies and Fried both eyeing a return, the path forward will require a balance of patience and resilience.