Atlanta Braves Face Injuries to Key Players Max Fried and Ozzie Albies
The Atlanta Braves have hit a rough patch with significant injuries to two of their star players. All-Star pitcher Max Fried has been placed on the injured list due to left forearm neuritis, while second baseman Ozzie Albies is also heading to the injured list after suffering a hand and wrist injury during the ninth inning of Sunday's game.
Fried’s troubles began while he was warming up for Tuesday’s All-Star Game. “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,” said Fried. However, the discomfort persisted, and the Braves made a precautionary decision to place him on the injured list. The diagnosis revealed irritation or compression of the ulnar nerve, but fortunately, tests showed no structural damage.
The Braves have called up left-handed pitcher Dylan Dodd from the minors to fill the void left by Fried. With a season record of 7-5, a 3.08 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, and 95 strikeouts against 34 walks in 108 innings, Fried has been a crucial part of the Braves’ pitching rotation. His absence will undoubtedly be felt. Despite the setback, Fried is optimistic about his return. "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 explained.
Meanwhile, Ozzie Albies’s injury compounds the Braves' difficulties. Manager Brian Snitker succinctly summarized the gravity of the situation stating, "It's not good." Albies, who has a .255/.308/.403 line with eight home runs in 89 games this season, will be a significant loss. It’s also worth noting that Albies missed 10 days in April due to a toe fracture, making this his second stint on the injured list this season.
These injuries come at a critical time for the Braves, who currently hold the top Wild Card spot in the National League with a 54-44 record. The team’s ability to remain competitive will be tested with the absence of these key players. The Braves will rely heavily on their remaining roster, including pitchers Chris Sale, Reynaldo López, Dylan Dodd, Charlie Morton, and Spencer Schwellenbach, to navigate this challenging period.
The Braves have faced their fair share of injury woes over the past few years. Ronald Acuña Jr. was sidelined by an ACL tear in 2023, and Spencer Strider underwent Tommy John surgery in 2024. Yet, the team has managed to stay competitive, a testament to their depth and resilience.
While Fried and Albies recover, the Braves will need to find ways to maintain their form and protect their position in the standings. Fans will be eagerly awaiting updates on their recoveries, hopeful that both players return to the mound and the field soon. This period may serve as an opportunity for other players to step up and make an impact, proving that the team’s success is not solely dependent on its stars.