In a significant blow to their roster, the Atlanta Braves have placed All-Star pitcher Max Fried on the injured list due to left forearm neuritis. The injury was first felt by Fried while warming up for Tuesday’s All-Star Game, creating an unsettling scenario for the Braves’ pitching ace.
"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. However, the discomfort persisted, raising concerns about his ability to continue.
Given the circumstances, the Braves decided to call up left-handed pitcher Dylan Dodd from the minors to fill the void left by Fried. For the Braves, the timing of Fried’s injury couldn't be more challenging, as he has been a key player with a season record of 7-5, a 3.08 ERA, a 1.16 WHIP, and 95 strikeouts against 34 walks over 108 innings. His performance this season is even more impressive considering he was the runner-up for the Cy Young award in 2022.
Despite the alarming symptoms, Fried remains optimistic about his condition. "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 elaborated.
More Injuries Pile Up
Adding to the Braves' woes, second baseman Ozzie Albies has also been placed on the injured list due to a hand and wrist injury sustained during the ninth inning of Sunday's game. Manager Brian Snitker did not mince words when asked about Albies's condition, stating, "It's not good."
Albies has been a consistent contributor this season, maintaining a .255/.308/.403 line with eight home runs across 89 games. His absence will undoubtedly be felt. Albies also missed ten days in April because of a toe fracture, marking this as a frustrating season for the infielder. In response to these injuries, the Braves will undoubtedly need to reshuffle their lineup and pitching rotation to maintain their performance.
Team's Current Standing
Despite these significant setbacks, the Braves are holding onto the top Wild Card spot in the National League with a solid 54-44 record. The team’s resilience will be tested as they face a challenging period ahead. Ronald Acuña Jr. remains sidelined due to an ACL tear in 2023, and Spencer Strider is recovering from Tommy John surgery performed in 2024.
The Braves will rely heavily on pitchers Chris Sale, Reynaldo López, Charlie Morton, and Spencer Schwellenbach, along with the newly called-up Dylan Dodd, to navigate through this rough patch. The absence of Fried and Albies places increased pressure on these players to step up their performances.
Understanding Forearm Neuritis
Forearm neuritis, the condition afflicting Fried, involves the irritation or compression of the ulnar nerve. Fortunately for Fried and the Braves, tests have revealed no structural damage to the pitcher’s arm. Nonetheless, the team will have to proceed cautiously, ensuring that Fried’s nerve irritation receives adequate time to heal, minimizing the risk of exacerbating the injury.
Injuries are an inevitable part of professional sports, and the Braves are no strangers to facing adversity. As they continue their quest for postseason glory, the coming weeks will reveal the team’s depth and resilience. With the right balance of experienced leadership and young talent, the Braves are well-equipped to navigate this challenging phase.