The Atlanta Braves have encountered a challenging phase as they placed All-Star pitcher Max Fried on the injured list due to left forearm neuritis. The timing is particularly unfortunate as Fried was warming up for Tuesday’s All-Star Game when he first felt discomfort. Describing the incident, Fried said, "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."
Following the All-Star Game, Fried took the day off to travel home but continued to feel discomfort. "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 explained.
The Braves have called up left-handed pitcher Dylan Dodd from the minors to fill the gap created by Fried’s absence. Fried’s performance this season has been commendable, with a 7-5 record, a 3.08 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, and 95 strikeouts against 34 walks over 108 innings. Notably, Fried was the runner-up for the Cy Young award in 2022, making his absence felt even more acutely by the Braves.
Adding to the Braves' woes, second baseman Ozzie Albies has joined Fried on the injured list after suffering a hand and wrist injury during the ninth inning of Sunday’s game. Manager Brian Snitker succinctly summed up the situation, stating, "It's not good." Albies had been a key player for the Braves, boasting a .255/.308/.403 line with eight home runs in 89 games this season. His injury adds to a season already marked by his earlier 10-day absence in April due to a toe fracture.
The Braves, currently holding the top Wild Card spot in the National League with a 54-44 record, face a tough road ahead. The team will rely heavily on pitchers Chris Sale and Reynaldo López, along with Dylan Dodd, Charlie Morton, and Spencer Schwellenbach, in an effort to maintain their competitive edge. Ronald Acuña Jr., who tore his ACL in 2023, and Spencer Strider, who underwent Tommy John surgery in 2024, are also part of the Braves' broader injury narrative, underscoring the resilience required to navigate such setbacks.
Forearm neuritis, the condition affecting Fried, involves the irritation or compression of the ulnar nerve. While Fried’s tests fortunately showed no structural damage, the time required for the nerve to calm down remains uncertain. This injury, along with Albies' setbacks, poses a significant challenge for the Braves as they strive to maintain their position in the playoff race.
The Braves' ability to adapt and perform in the face of these injuries will be crucial in the coming weeks. The integration of Dodd from the minors offers a glimmer of hope, but the onus will be on the entire team to step up during this critical period. Fans and analysts alike will be closely watching how the Braves navigate this challenging phase, and whether they can continue to push toward postseason success.