Braves reinstate Max Fried from injured list, option Dylan Lee to Gwinnett.

Max Fried returns while the Braves continue to play a numbers game in the bullpen

As anticipated, the Atlanta Braves have reinstated Max Fried from the 15-day injured list. He is scheduled to start in Sunday’s series finale against the Miami Marlins. To make room for him on the active roster, the Braves have optioned Dylan Lee to Gwinnett.

Fried was placed on the injured list on July 21 due to neuritis in his left forearm. He first felt the issue while warming up for the All-Star Game but initially didn’t think it was serious. However, he informed team trainers a few days later when the symptoms persisted.

Tests on Fried’s forearm revealed no structural damage, and the team anticipated a brief stint on the injured list, which has proven to be the case with his return scheduled for Sunday. This season, Fried has made 18 starts, posting a 3.08 ERA and a 3.55 FIP over 108 innings.

The #Braves today reinstated LHP Max Fried from the injured list after optioning LHP Dylan Lee to Triple-A Gwinnett following last night’s game.

— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) August 4, 2024

Lee has been a dependable reliever for the Braves but is currently the only pitcher in the bullpen with options remaining. The addition of Luke Jackson has further complicated the bullpen situation. The move also suggests that the team doesn’t foresee a need to place Reynaldo López on the injured list, despite his forearm soreness and the fact he hasn’t thrown a bullpen session since his last start against the Mets on July 28.

Lee’s stay at Gwinnett is likely to be short-term. The Braves are managing their roster flexibility but will need to reassess their options soon. While Jesse Chavez has been a positive contributor, he has allowed four earned runs in his last seven innings and has a 4.64 FIP, significantly higher than his 2.23 ERA.