Atlanta Braves Face Injury Setbacks Ahead of Playoff Push
The Atlanta Braves have encountered significant turbulence on their path to the playoffs, with key players being sidelined due to injuries. The recent addition of All-Star pitcher Max Fried to the injured list due to left forearm neuritis has further complicated their campaign.
Fried, who experienced discomfort while warming up for Tuesday’s All-Star Game, will be absent from the Braves' lineup, an unwelcome development for the team's pitching roster. "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 elaborated on his condition post-travel, saying, "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."
To counter Fried’s absence, the Braves have called up left-handed pitcher Dylan Dodd from the minors. Fried's season stats before this setback were quite impressive, boasting a 7-5 record with a 3.08 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, and 95 strikeouts against 34 walks in 108 innings. He was also the runner-up for the Cy Young award in 2022, underscoring his crucial role in the Braves' rotation.
Adding to their woes, second baseman Ozzie Albies has also been placed on the injured list following a hand and wrist injury he sustained during the ninth inning of Sunday's game. Albies has had a challenging season with injuries, having already missed 10 days in April due to a toe fracture. His absence is another significant blow to the team. Manager Brian Snitker succinctly captured the gravity of Albies's situation, stating, "It's not good."
Before his latest injury, Albies had maintained a .255/.308/.403 line with eight home runs across 89 games this season. The Braves will undoubtedly feel his absence both at the plate and in the field as they try to maintain their competitive edge in the tight National League race.
The Braves currently hold the top Wild Card spot in the National League with a 54-44 record, a position that tests their depth and resilience. The team has faced an array of challenges this season with major players like Ronald Acuña Jr., who tore his ACL in 2023, and pitcher Spencer Strider, who underwent Tommy John surgery in 2024, also missing significant time.
To stabilize their pitching roster amidst these injuries, the Braves will now rely on Chris Sale, Reynaldo López, Dylan Dodd, Charlie Morton, and Spencer Schwellenbach. The contribution of these pitchers will be critical if the Braves hope to sustain their playoff aspirations.
Forearm neuritis, affecting Fried, involves the irritation or compression of the ulnar nerve but, fortunately for the Braves, his tests showed no structural damage. Nevertheless, his absence, alongside that of Albies, temporarily leaves notable dents in the Braves' lineup as the team hopes for a speedy recovery for its stars and continued strong performances from its backups.
The road ahead is challenging, but with the depth in their rotation and the fortitude of a team brimming with resilience, the Braves aspire to navigate these setbacks and remain in contention for the postseason. Fans and analysts alike will be closely watching how the team manages these crucial injuries in the upcoming weeks.