The Atlanta Braves starting rotation can’t catch a break, as Max Fried becomes the latest pitcher to suffer a major injury.
The Atlanta Braves are facing a precarious situation with their starting rotation, especially concerning Max Fried, who is in a contract year and recently earned his second NL All-Star Team selection in 2024. Fried is a crucial part of a formidable trio alongside Chris Sale and Reynaldo Lopez.
The Braves initially suffered a setback with their ace, Spencer Strider, facing injury concerns early in the season. Despite this, pitchers like Sale, Lopez, Fried, Morton, and others have stepped up significantly, transforming into the backbone of a team that many analysts believed needed to bolster its starting pitching to contend seriously in the postseason.
With Fried now sidelined due to his placement on the 15-day injured list, and the possibility of further setbacks looming, General Manager Alex Anthopoulos faces a challenging scenario. The team’s needs for pitching reinforcements may become increasingly apparent to other teams’ general managers as the trade deadline approaches.
SIGNIFICANT NEWS: The #Braves put Max Fried on the 15-day injured list with left forearm neuritis, backdated to July 18, and recalled LHP Dylan Dodd to Atlanta.
More to come
— David O'Brien (@DOBrienATL) July 21, 2024
Max Fried’s injury comes as a surprise, especially considering his recent selection to the National League squad in Arlington, which indicates he likely wouldn’t have participated if dealing with any lingering injuries.
With Fried sidelined, the Braves will turn to 26-year-old Dylan Dodd from the Gwinnett rotation. Dodd has already made seven starts for Atlanta this season, though he currently holds a 2-2 record with a 7.60 ERA.
