The Atlanta Braves are facing a challenging period as two key players, All-Star pitcher Max Fried and second baseman Ozzie Albies, have been placed on the injured list. Fried is dealing with left forearm neuritis, while Albies is grappling with a hand and wrist injury.
Fried's Forearm Neuritis
The All-Star pitcher, who has been instrumental in the Braves' season, felt discomfort while warming up for Tuesday’s All-Star Game. Fried shared his experience: "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."
Despite taking a day off after the game, the discomfort persisted. Fried noted, "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 tests have shown no structural damage, which is a relief for the Braves.
To offset Fried’s absence, the Braves called up left-handed pitcher Dylan Dodd from the minors. Fried boasts a season record of 7-5, with a 3.08 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, and 95 strikeouts against 34 walks in 108 innings. Notably, Fried was the runner-up for the Cy Young award in 2022, underscoring his significant contribution to the team.
Albies' Injury Challenges
Second baseman Ozzie Albies also joins the injured list after suffering a hand and wrist injury during the ninth inning of Sunday's game. Brian Snitker, discussing Albies’s condition, stated, "It's not good."
Albies had been having a solid season with a .255/.308/.403 line and eight home runs in 89 games. However, this isn’t the first time the second baseman has faced injury woes this season; he missed 10 days in April due to a toe fracture. His latest injury adds to the Braves' challenges as they strive to maintain their leading position in the National League's Wild Card spot with a 54-44 record.
Braves' Strategy Moving Forward
With Fried and Albies both out, the Braves will be relying more heavily on pitchers Chris Sale and Reynaldo López, along with Dylan Dodd, Charlie Morton, and Spencer Schwellenbach. This combination of seasoned and emerging talent will be crucial in navigating this difficult phase.
In the broader context, the Braves have dealt with significant injuries over the past seasons. Ronald Acuña Jr. tore his ACL in 2023, while Spencer Strider underwent Tommy John surgery in 2024. These injuries have tested the team’s depth and resilience. Despite these setbacks, Atlanta has managed to remain competitive, showcasing the strength of their roster and farm system.
Understanding Forearm Neuritis
Forearm neuritis involves the irritation or compression of the ulnar nerve. This condition can cause significant discomfort but, as Fried's tests indicated, does not always involve structural damage. The recovery will depend on allowing the irritated sensory nerve to calm down, which, fortunately, does not impact the primary muscle functioning nerves.
As the Braves navigate these injuries, the focus will be on careful management and timely recoveries. The team's depth will be tested, but their current standing in the National League Wild Card spot suggests they have the capability to withstand these challenges.
The Braves' fans will be hoping for quick recoveries for both Fried and Albies, essential elements of the team's core. With strategic rotations and some resilience, the Braves can maintain their competitive edge as the season progresses.