Atlanta Braves Battle Injuries as Key Players Are Sidelined
The Atlanta Braves are facing a challenging period with two of their standout players, Max Fried and Ozzie Albies, being placed on the injured list. Both injuries come at a crucial time as the team holds the top Wild Card spot in the National League with a 54-44 record.
Max Fried's Forearm Neuritis
All-Star pitcher Max Fried has been placed on the injured list due to left forearm neuritis. The 29-year-old pitcher experienced discomfort during his warm-up routine for Tuesday’s All-Star Game. Despite initially dismissing the sensation, Fried recognized the need for caution after continued discomfort.
"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. He added, "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."
The Braves have called up left-handed pitcher Dylan Dodd from the minors to fill the void left by Fried. Fried's stats for the season currently stand at a 7-5 record, with a 3.08 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, and 95 strikeouts against 34 walks over 108 innings. As the runner-up for the Cy Young award in 2022, Fried’s absence undoubtedly leaves a significant gap in the Braves' rotation.
Ozzie Albies' Hand and Wrist Injury
In another blow to the Braves, second baseman Ozzie Albies has also been placed on the injured list following a hand and wrist injury sustained during the ninth inning of Sunday's game. Manager Brian Snitker succinctly summarized Albies's condition, stating, "It's not good."
Albies has been a key player for the Braves this season, posting a .255/.308/.403 line with eight home runs in 89 games. Unfortunately, this isn't the first time Albies has faced challenges with injuries in 2023, having missed 10 days in April due to a toe fracture. Despite these setbacks, his contributions have been vital to the team’s success.
Pitching Shifts and Future Outlook
With Fried sidelined, the Braves will need to rely on their remaining pitching staff including veterans and recent call-ups. The rotation will see contributions from Chris Sale, Reynaldo López, Dylan Dodd, Charlie Morton, and Spencer Schwellenbach. Each will need to step up to maintain the team’s competitive edge during this critical juncture of the season.
Fried’s condition, forearm neuritis, involves the irritation or compression of the ulnar nerve. Fortunately, tests have shown no structural damage, leaving room for optimism about his eventual return. The challenge will be ensuring he can recover fully without rushing back prematurely.
In the meantime, the Braves must navigate these injuries with the resilience and depth that have characterized their season thus far. As they work to maintain their lead in the Wild Card race, the team’s ability to adapt and fill the gaps left by key players will be tested.
The Braves' current strategy, drawing from the minors and adjusting their rotation, aims to offset these critical losses. It is a testament to the team's depth and management's foresight. Whether this will suffice in the face of the rigorous demands of Major League Baseball remains to be seen, but the Braves have shown time and again that they are more than capable of rising to the occasion.