Braves just got the best Max Fried update yet, but with a catch

The Braves recently received great news on pitcher Max Fried, who has been recovering well from his forearm injury.

The Atlanta Braves were winners when they had eight players named to the All-Star game, and they were winners on Thursday, when they got good news on lefty Max Fried.

Fried, who has been on the injured list since May 9 due to a forearm strain, is slowly working his way up to full strength. He is set to begin a minor league rehab assignment this coming Sunday with Triple-A Gwinnett, the biggest step yet in Fried’s recovery process this year.

In 2023, Fried has landed on the IL twice, once on Opening Day for a hamstring strain and once that time in early May. With Fried returning to the lineup soon, the Braves just might be unstoppable. But wait… when exactly will he be back?

There’s no specific timetable for Fried’s return, which is the unfortunate part of his injury update.

Braves pitcher Max Fried will make rehab start with Triple-A Gwinnett

Last year’s NL Cy Young winner hardly needs any introduction. Fried recorded a sparkling 2.48 ERA with a 1.014 WHIP in 30 games in 2022 and still appears to be in his prime. He was dealt an unlucky hand at the start of the 2023 season with his two IL stints, but he’s on track to make a return sometime this season.

The Braves have sorely missed both Fried and starter Kyle Wright but made up for it with scorching hot offense: Atlanta’s sluggers have helped the team pile up multiple winnings streaks of six or more games last month.

Sitting somewhat comfortably at the top of the NL East with a 58-28 record, the Braves are clear championship contenders in 2023, and getting a talented ace like Fried back will only boost their hopes for glory.

As The Athletic’s David O’Brien stated, Fried is expected to make several rehab starts before being activated (the earliest he can be activated is July 9th).

The Braves will likely proceed with caution regarding Fried’s health and usage. Once he’s back to full health and assuming Atlanta’s offense keeps humming, it may be game over for the rest of the league.