The Atlanta Braves have faced a tough blow with the recent placement of All-Star pitcher Max Fried on the injured list due to left forearm neuritis. Fried experienced discomfort while warming up for the All-Star Game on Tuesday, a development that could influence the Braves' push for the postseason.
In response to Fried's absence, the Braves have called up left-handed pitcher Dylan Dodd from the minors. Dodd's promotion is an attempt to fill the significant void left by Fried, who has been a crucial figure for the team this season. Fried's stats speak to his importance: a 7-5 record, a 3.08 ERA, a 1.16 WHIP, and 95 strikeouts against 34 walks in 108 innings. Furthermore, his performance in 2022, where he was the runner-up for the Cy Young award, underscores his value to the Braves' rotation.
Speaking about his injury, Fried commented, "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." After taking a day off to travel home, Fried continued to feel discomfort during a catch session. "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 elaborated.
Forearm neuritis, which involves the irritation or compression of the ulnar nerve, can be a concerning condition for pitchers, but the good news for Fried and the Braves is that tests have shown no structural damage.
The Braves' injury woes don't end with Fried. Second baseman Ozzie Albies also heads to the injured list after sustaining a hand and wrist injury during the ninth inning of Sunday's game. Manager Brian Snitker succinctly put it, "It's not good," regarding Albies's condition.
Albies has had a challenging season, already having missed 10 days in April due to a toe fracture. Before his latest setback, he maintained a .255/.308/.403 line with eight home runs across 89 games. His absence adds to the difficult period for the Braves, who are top contenders for the National League Wild Card, holding a 54-44 record.
The Braves have had their share of injury trouble in recent times. Ronald Acuña Jr.'s ACL tear in 2023 and Spencer Strider's Tommy John surgery in 2024 underscore the team's ongoing battle to maintain a healthy roster. In the interim, the team will be relying on pitchers such as Chris Sale, Reynaldo López, Charlie Morton, Spencer Schwellenbach, and the recently called-up Dodd.
Despite these hurdles, the Braves have shown resilience in their season campaign. Keeping their place at the top Wild Card spot is a testament to the depth and determination of their roster. The team's ability to navigate through adversity will be tested further as they await the return of key players like Fried and Albies.
As the season progresses, the Braves' medical and coaching staff will undoubtedly keep a close watch on the recovery of their injured stars. The forthcoming games will reveal how well the team adapts and continues their quest towards securing a postseason berth. Fried and Albies's quick recovery could be pivotal for Atlanta's aspirations in what's shaping up to be a competitive race in the National League.