The Atlanta Braves find themselves in a challenging position with the news that All-Star pitcher Max Fried has been placed on the injured list due to left forearm neuritis. Fried, who has been a pivotal figure on the mound, experienced discomfort while warming up for Tuesday’s All-Star Game. Despite initially downplaying the issue, the discomfort persisted, leading to his eventual placement on the injured list.
Fried detailed his experience, explaining, "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." This initial dismissal of the sensation highlights the fine line athletes often walk when distinguishing between transient discomfort and more serious issues.
Upon returning home, Fried's concerns grew. "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 explained. The team and fans alike can take some solace in the fact that tests have shown no structural damage, indicating a potentially shorter recovery period.
In Fried’s absence, the Braves have called up left-handed pitcher Dylan Dodd from the minors. This move is aimed at fortifying the pitching lineup during a critical stretch of the season. Fried’s current season record stands at 7-5, with a commendable 3.08 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, and 95 strikeouts against 34 walks in 108 innings. His performance has undeniably been a cornerstone of the Braves’ mound strategy.
Unfortunately for Atlanta, Fried is not the only star player facing health issues. Second baseman Ozzie Albies has also been added to the injured list following a hand and wrist injury sustained during the ninth inning of Sunday's game. Albies’s injury comes at a crucial time, adding to the Braves' challenges. Prior to this setback, Albies held a slash line of .255/.308/.403 with eight home runs across 89 games this season. It’s a significant blow, especially considering Albies had already missed time earlier in the season due to a toe fracture.
Manager Brian Snitker succinctly summed up the team's sentiment regarding Albies's condition: "It's not good." The Braves will undoubtedly feel the loss of Albies's versatility and reliability on both offense and defense.
Despite these setbacks, the Braves remain in a strong position within the National League, holding the top Wild Card spot with a 54-44 record. The team will now look to its depth, leaning on pitchers Chris Sale, Reynaldo López, Dylan Dodd, Charlie Morton, and Spencer Schwellenbach to navigate through this tumultuous period.
It's worth noting that Atlanta has weathered significant injuries before. Ronald Acuña Jr. tore his ACL in 2023, and Spencer Strider underwent Tommy John surgery in 2024. Such instances underscore the resilience that has become synonymous with the Braves' squad.
Forearm neuritis, the condition sidelining Fried, involves the irritation or compression of the ulnar nerve. While any nerve-related issue can be a cause for concern, the lack of structural damage provides a hopeful outlook for Fried's recovery. For now, the Braves will give Fried the necessary time to let his arm heal, with aspirations of his return bolstering the team's postseason push.
The Braves’ ability to stay competitive amid this backdrop of adversity will be tested, but their track record suggests they won’t back down. Fans will be eager to see how the season continues to unfold as the team adapts and overcomes these latest hurdles.