The Atlanta Braves have been dealt a significant blow with the placement of All-Star pitcher Max Fried on the injured list due to left forearm neuritis. The trouble began when Fried experienced discomfort while warming up for Tuesday’s All-Star Game.
Speaking about the issue, Fried recounted, "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." However, the discomfort persisted, prompting further attention.
The Braves have called up left-handed pitcher Dylan Dodd from the minors to fill in during Fried’s absence. Fried's season has been impressive, boasting a 7-5 record with a 3.08 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, and 95 strikeouts against 34 walks over 108 innings. His performance this year follows on the heels of being the runner-up for the Cy Young award in 2022.
Fried continued, "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."
Adding to the Braves' woes, second baseman Ozzie Albies has also landed on the injured list after suffering a hand and wrist injury during the ninth inning of Sunday's game. Albies, who previously missed 10 days in April due to a toe fracture, had a .255/.308/.403 line with eight home runs in 89 games this season before getting hurt. Braves' manager Brian Snitker succinctly summed up the situation regarding Albies's injury, stating, "It's not good."
The Braves, who currently hold the top Wild Card spot in the National League with a 54-44 record, face a challenging stretch. Ronald Acuña Jr. suffered an ACL tear in 2023, and Spencer Strider underwent Tommy John surgery in 2024, stretching the Braves' depth further. In light of these injuries, the team will rely on pitchers Chris Sale and Reynaldo López, along with Dylan Dodd, Charlie Morton, and Spencer Schwellenbach to carry the load.
Forearm neuritis, which involves the irritation or compression of the ulnar nerve, does not always signal significant structural issues, and fortunately for Fried, his tests have shown no structural damage. Nevertheless, his condition demands a cautious approach to prevent further complications.
As the Braves navigate through these injury setbacks, the performance of their call-ups and the resilience of their current roster will be crucial in maintaining their strong position in the National League.