As the Atlanta Braves continue their pursuit of postseason success, they have encountered significant setbacks with key injuries to All-Star pitcher Max Fried and second baseman Ozzie Albies. The team has announced that Fried has been placed on the injured list due to left forearm neuritis after experiencing discomfort while warming up for the All-Star Game.
Max Fried's Injury
Fried, a pivotal figure in the Braves' rotation, recounted the moments leading up to his injury: "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."
Following the game, Fried took a day off to travel home, hoping the discomfort would subside. "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," Fried explained. Subsequent tests indicated no structural damage. "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."
Forearm neuritis, which involves the irritation or compression of the ulnar nerve, can sideline pitchers, but the Braves have expressed optimism about Fried's recovery time. Fried, who was the runner-up for the Cy Young award in 2022, has been a workhorse for the Braves this season with a record of 7-5, a 3.08 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, and 95 strikeouts against 34 walks in 108 innings.
Ozzie Albies's Setback
In addition to Fried’s setback, the Braves are also handling an injury to Ozzie Albies, who suffered a hand and wrist injury during the ninth inning of Sunday's game. Manager Brian Snitker did not mince words about Albies's condition, stating bluntly, "It's not good."
Albies has been sent to the injured list, adding to his list of injuries this season. Earlier in the year, he missed ten days in April due to a toe fracture. Prior to his recent injury, Albies posted a .255/.308/.403 line with eight home runs across 89 games, contributing significantly to the Braves' offense.
Adjustments and Call-Ups
With Fried and Albies both sidelined, the Braves have moved swiftly to adjust their roster and maintain their competitive edge. The team has called up left-handed pitcher Dylan Dodd from the minors to fill the void left by Fried's absence. Dodd will join a rotation that now relies on pitchers such as Chris Sale, Reynaldo López, Charlie Morton, and Spencer Schwellenbach to weather the storm.
The Braves maintain a strong position in the National League, holding the top Wild Card spot with a 54-44 record. However, the loss of such integral players places added pressure on the team to perform and adapt.
Long-Term Resilience
Baseball, with its grueling 162-game schedule, demands resilience and adaptability from all its players and teams. The Braves have already endured significant injuries this season, including Ronald Acuña Jr.'s ACL tear in 2023 and Spencer Strider's Tommy John surgery in 2024.
Despite these challenges, the Braves continue to demonstrate their ability to stay in contention. The management's quick decisions to address immediate roster needs reflect their determination to keep the team competitive and prepared for the final stretch of the season.
For now, the Braves will focus on integrating new and returning players, leaning on their depth and the steady leadership of veterans. The Atlanta faithful will be hoping for a swift recovery for both Fried and Albies, essential cogs in the team's machine as they push towards October.
As the season progresses, the Braves' ability to navigate these injuries will undoubtedly test their resolve. But if history is any guide, the team is more than capable of rising to the occasion, driven by a blend of youthful energy and experienced expertise. The path ahead remains challenging, but Atlanta has never been a team to shy away from a fight.