Injuries Plague Atlanta Braves as Key Players Sideline
The Atlanta Braves face uncertain waters as their All-Star pitcher Max Fried finds himself on the injured list due to left forearm neuritis, a setback that raised concerns within the Braves' camp. The forearm neuritis diagnosis, involving the irritation or compression of the ulnar nerve, came after Fried experienced discomfort during his warm-up session for Tuesday's All-Star Game. Despite early hopes, the discomfort persisted, leading to a decision that the pitcher could no longer ignore.
"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," Fried explained. "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 opted to give it another go post All-Star break but found no relief. “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 added.
To cover Fried's absence, the Braves called up left-handed pitcher Dylan Dodd from the minors. It’s a crucial moment for the team, already grappling with a series of setbacks.
Albies Faces Hand and Wrist Injury
Adding to the Braves' woes is the loss of second baseman Ozzie Albies, who suffered a hand and wrist injury during the ninth inning of Sunday's game. According to Braves manager Brian Snitker, "It's not good." Albies, who maintained a .255/.308/.403 line with eight home runs in 89 games this season, will also be heading to the injured list. This comes after he missed 10 days back in April due to a toe fracture.
Albies’ absence compounds a season already marred by injuries. The Braves, holding a 54-44 record that places them atop the Wild Card standings in the National League, will have to dig deep into their roster to stay competitive.
Pitching Staff Under Pressure
The rotation now heavily depends on the likes of Chris Sale, Reynaldo López, Charlie Morton, Spencer Schwellenbach, and the newly promoted Dylan Dodd. Spencer Strider's absence, following his Tommy John surgery in 2024, and Ronald Acuña Jr.'s ACL tear in 2023 further complicate the Braves' strategy moving forward. While Fried’s tests show no structural damage, meaning his return could be sooner rather than later, the team must adapt swiftly to maintain their winning trajectory.
Season Statistics & Recognition
Before his setback, Fried was performing at a high level, boasting a season record of 7-5, paired with a 3.08 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, and an impressive tally of 95 strikeouts against 34 walks in 108 innings. His contributions have been vital, particularly given his recognition as the runner-up for the Cy Young award in 2022, underpinning his role as a linchpin in the Braves' bullpen.
Looking Ahead
The team will have to rely on its depth to weather these injuries. Manager Brian Snitker and his coaching staff face the challenge of reshuffling the lineup and pitching rotation, hoping that their key players can return promptly and in full health. The careful handling of this period will be critical to the Braves’ postseason aspirations.
As the Braves regroup, fans and analysts alike are keenly watching each decision, knowing that the resilience shown now could define the trajectory of their season. For a team that's tasted success and dealt with its share of hardship, the immediate future will be a test of mettle and depth.