Atlanta Braves Face Injuries to Key Players
The Atlanta Braves have encountered a significant setback as they placed All-Star pitcher Max Fried on the injured list due to left forearm neuritis. This development unfolded after Fried felt discomfort while warming up for Tuesday’s All-Star Game.
To fill the void left by Fried, the Braves have called up left-handed pitcher Dylan Dodd from the minors. Fried, who boasts a season record of 7-5 with a 3.08 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, and 95 strikeouts against 34 walks in 108 innings, will indeed be missed on the mound during this crucial stretch as the Braves hold the top Wild Card spot in the National League with a 54-44 record.
Fried, who was the runner-up for the Cy Young award in 2022, shared his experience prior to the All-Star Game, stating, "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." After feeling persistent discomfort, Fried took precautionary measures and underwent tests, which thankfully revealed no structural damage. "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," he added.
Adding to the Braves' injury woes, second baseman Ozzie Albies has been sidelined with a hand and wrist injury sustained during the ninth inning of Sunday's game. Albies had delivered a solid performance this season, posting a .255/.308/.403 line with eight home runs across 89 games. Unfortunately, his latest injury necessitates another stint on the injured list. Braves manager Brian Snitker summed up the sentiment surrounding Albies’s condition succinctly: "It's not good."
The injury to Albies follows an earlier setback this season when he missed 10 days in April due to a toe fracture. Now, facing another period without one of their key players, the Braves must adjust strategically to maintain their strong position in the standings.
The Braves’ injury challenges do not end with Fried and Albies. Outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. is recovering from an ACL tear suffered in 2023, while promising pitcher Spencer Strider continues his recovery from Tommy John surgery performed in 2024. To navigate these turbulent times, the Braves will rely on pitchers Chris Sale and Reynaldo López, along with Dylan Dodd, Charlie Morton, and Spencer Schwellenbach, to sustain their rotation.
Forearm neuritis, like the one affecting Fried, involves the irritation or compression of the ulnar nerve. The team's decision to place Fried on the injured list, even with no structural damage found, reflects caution in protecting their valuable pitcher’s long-term health and contributions. Fried will take the necessary time to let the sensory nerve irritation subside, hoping for a swift return to help his team.
As the Braves continue to navigate these injury hurdles, their depth and resilience will be put to the test. The return of their key players, when fully fit, will be vital for their aspirations this season. For now, the team and its fans will hope that the replacements can step up and deliver performances that keep their playoff dreams alive.
The Braves’ journey, while fraught with adversity, will undoubtedly be a story of perseverance and determination as they chase success in a highly competitive National League. Their ability to adapt and overcome setbacks will define their campaign in the weeks and months to come.