Braves: Max Fried injury update is bad, but not worst-case scenario
By John Buhler
Look for Max Fried to be out of the Atlanta Braves’ starting rotation for a while now.
Although the latest Max Fried injury update isn’t the worst thing in the world, the Atlanta Braves’ ace may be sidelined for the foreseeable future.
Fried was placed on the 15-day IL on Wednesday morning, backdated to May 6. While a forearm strain can be seen as a troubling injury because it may indicate ligament damage, Fried’s MRI did not reveal any concern about his sinew. Unfortunately, he will be shut down for the time being so his arm can heal before he begins throwing again. This is his second stint on the IL this season…
With Kyle Wright on IL as well with shoulder inflammation, the Braves should be thankful that they have starting pitching depth throughout their organization.
Fried's MRI didn't create any concern about possibly needing a second TJ surgery. He will be shut down from throwing until his forearm heals. He'll then have to build back up and basically go through Spring Training again. So, timetable is TBD. But this won't be a short-term IL
— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) May 9, 2023
It would not be the least bit shocking if Michael Soroka made his triumphant return to the Atlanta rotation sooner rather than later. The Braves will need someone to step up like Bryce Elder has.
Atlanta Braves: Max Fried injury isn’t good, but it isn’t worst thing in the world
The good news for the Braves is all these injuries are occurring very early in their season. Even more impressive, Atlanta has the best record in the National League and only trails the Tampa Bay Rays for the best record in baseball. Despite one injury after another, Atlanta continues to assert its dominance over most of the teams it plays that are not named the San Diego Padres, of course.
Although the Braves are in an advantageous spot to not have to rush Fried back from injury, we do have to wonder if these stints on the IL of late will play a part in general manager Alex Anthopoulos finding a way to not extend him. When he is healthy, Fried is a top-five pitcher in baseball. However, he is pushing 30 and Anthopoulos has a reputation in how he builds a team…
What Atlanta needs more than anything is for either Wright to return sooner rather than later, or for someone else at the Triple-A level to rise to the occasion like Elder has. Elder has been put in challenging situations over the last two years, but has largely flourished in his role as a back-end, stop-gap starter. Frankly, it is starting to feel like we will be seeing Soroka be called up here soon.
The Braves can still win the World Series this year, but they have to find a way to get healthy fast.
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