In a significant blow to their pitching staff, the Atlanta Braves have placed All-Star pitcher Max Fried on the injured list due to left forearm neuritis. Concerns arose when Fried experienced discomfort while warming up for Tuesday’s All-Star Game. Despite initial hopes, subsequent tests revealed the need for caution, necessitating his placement on the injured list.
Max Fried's Ordeal
"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.
Fried, who holds a season record of 7-5, with a 3.08 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, and 95 strikeouts against 34 walks in 108 innings, took a 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.
Immediate Adjustments
To compensate for Fried’s absence, the Braves have recalled left-handed pitcher Dylan Dodd from the minors. Dodd's promotion represents a critical juncture for him to demonstrate his capability at the major league level and support the Braves' pitching staff during this challenging period.
Injury Issues Continue with Ozzie Albies
Adding to the Braves’ woes, second baseman Ozzie Albies is also heading to the injured list after suffering a hand and wrist injury during the ninth inning of Sunday's game. Manager Brian Snitker succinctly expressed the gravity of Albies's situation, stating, "It's not good."
Albies has been a vital contributor this season with a .255/.308/.403 line and eight home runs across 89 games. Unfortunately, his 2023 campaign has been marred by injuries, including a toe fracture in April that sidelined him for ten days.
The Brave Resilience
Despite these setbacks, the Braves continue to hold the top Wild Card spot in the National League with a 54-44 record. The team’s resilience has been notable, particularly in the face of past injuries to key players. Outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. notably tore his ACL in 2023, and promising young pitcher Spencer Strider underwent Tommy John surgery in 2024.
Going forward, Atlanta will rely heavily on pitchers Chris Sale and Reynaldo López, alongside Dodd, Charlie Morton, and Spencer Schwellenbach, to fill the gaps left by Fried and Strider. The team's depth and adaptability will be crucial in maintaining their competitive edge as they navigate these challenges.
Understanding Forearm Neuritis
Forearm neuritis, which involves irritation or compression of the ulnar nerve, can potentially be a serious condition if not managed properly. Fortunately for Fried, his tests revealed no structural damage, indicating that with proper rest and treatment, he could return to the mound relatively soon.
As Fried himself optimistically noted, "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." The Braves and their fans will be hoping for a swift recovery as the team continues its push for postseason success.
While the next few weeks will undoubtedly test the depth and resilience of the Braves' roster, their current standing and the eventual returns of key players like Fried and Albies offer a measure of hope. The Atlanta Braves are no strangers to overcoming adversity, and they will need every bit of that tenacity to navigate the trials laid out before them this season.