The Atlanta Braves are dealing with a double dose of unfortunate injuries as they place All-Star pitcher Max Fried and second baseman Ozzie Albies on the injured list.
Max Fried's Forearm Neuritis
Max Fried, who has been an instrumental part of the Braves' pitching staff, felt discomfort while warming up for Tuesday's All-Star Game. Despite initially thinking it was a minor issue, Fried's condition did not improve.
"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.
As a precaution, Fried took the following day off to travel home. However, upon playing catch again, he continued to feel discomfort.
"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," Fried added.
Fried, who has posted a season record of 7-5 with an impressive 3.08 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, and 95 strikeouts across 108 innings, has undergone tests that showed no structural damage. The diagnosis is left forearm neuritis, which involves the irritation or compression of the ulnar nerve. The team now places him on the injured list to give him time to recover.
In Fried's absence, the Braves have called up left-handed pitcher Dylan Dodd from the minors. The hope is that Dodd, along with Chris Sale, Reynaldo López, Charlie Morton, and Spencer Schwellenbach, can maintain the team's momentum on the mound.
Ozzie Albies Suffers Hand and Wrist Injury
Adding to the Braves' injury woes, second baseman Ozzie Albies suffered a hand and wrist injury during the ninth inning of Sunday's game. He, too, is heading to the injured list.
Albies, who had produced a .255/.308/.403 line with eight home runs in 89 games this season before his injury, has been a crucial component of the Braves' offense and defense. This injury follows a toe fracture earlier in the season that had already sidelined Albies for 10 days in April.
Manager Brian Snitker succinctly captured the gravity of the situation, stating, "It's not good."
Braves' Playoff Push Challenged by Injuries
With a current record of 54-44, the Braves are holding the top Wild Card spot in the National League. However, the injuries to key players like Fried and Albies pose a significant challenge as they push toward the postseason. The team's depth will be tested as they rely on their available roster and recent call-ups to fill the gaps.
The Braves have faced their share of injury adversity over recent years. Ronald Acuña Jr.'s ACL tear in 2023 and Spencer Strider's Tommy John surgery in 2024 are stark reminders of how injuries can alter a season's dynamics.
As the Braves navigate through this difficult stretch, their focus remains on recovery and resilience. Fried's recovery from neuritis, which appears not to involve structural damage, is a glimmer of hope. Meanwhile, the team and its fans will be watching closely for updates on Albies's condition.
In a season filled with ups and downs, the Braves have demonstrated their ability to adapt and persevere. The coming weeks will be crucial as they aim to maintain their playoff position and hope for a speedy return of their injured stars.