The Atlanta Braves face a challenging period as they have placed All-Star pitcher Max Fried on the injured list due to left forearm neuritis. The injury surfaced when Fried felt discomfort during his warm-up routine for Tuesday’s All-Star Game. Addressing the media, Fried explained, "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."
Despite initial hopes that the discomfort would subside, Fried’s condition persisted. "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," Fried added. Subsequent tests revealed no structural damage, a silver lining for the Braves. Fried 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."
Braves Call Up Dylan Dodd
To compensate for Fried’s absence, the Braves have called up left-handed pitcher Dylan Dodd from the minors. The move aims to bolster their pitching options as the team navigates these recent injuries. Max Fried has been a cornerstone for the Braves, boasting a season record of 7-5, with a 3.08 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, and 95 strikeouts against 34 walks in 108 innings. His contributions were instrumental last season as he finished as the runner-up for the Cy Young award in 2022.
Ozzie Albies Joins the Injured List
The injury woes for the Braves do not end with Fried. 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. Braves' manager Brian Snitker succinctly summarized the situation: "It's not good." Albies, a crucial player for the Braves, has maintained a .255/.308/.403 line with eight home runs in 89 games this season. Adding to his tough season, Albies had already missed 10 days in April due to a toe fracture.
Challenging Times for Atlanta
The injury to these pivotal players comes as the Braves hold the top Wild Card spot in the National League with a 54-44 record. The loss of Fried and Albies adds to a series of misfortunes for Atlanta. Ronald Acuña Jr., another vital player, tore his ACL in 2023, while Spencer Strider underwent Tommy John surgery in 2024. These consecutive injuries to key athletes pose significant challenges for the Braves' roster management.
Rotation Adjustments
In the wake of these injuries, the Braves will rely heavily on pitchers Chris Sale and Reynaldo López, alongside Dylan Dodd, Charlie Morton, and Spencer Schwellenbach, to carry the load. It’s a daunting task, but the team’s depth and resilience will be critical in maintaining their competitive edge.
Understanding Forearm Neuritis
For those unfamiliar, forearm neuritis involves the irritation or compression of the ulnar nerve. While it can be a troubling condition, the fact that Fried’s tests have shown no structural damage allows for optimism regarding his recovery timeline.
The Braves' management, coaching staff, and fans alike will undoubtedly keep a close eye on the healing process of both Max Fried and Ozzie Albies, hoping for their swift and full recoveries. Until then, the team will need to demonstrate considerable adaptability and perseverance to maintain their standing in the competitive National League.