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Braves rumors: Matt Olson talks Freddie Freeman, Max Fried concerns, roster move looming

By Zach Pressnell

Freddie Freeman #5 of the Los Angeles Dodgers stands at first alongside Matt Olson #28 of the Atlanta Braves during the sixth inning at Truist Park on June 26, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
Freddie Freeman #5 of the Los Angeles Dodgers stands at first alongside Matt Olson #28 of the Atlanta Braves during the sixth inning at Truist Park on June 26, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images) /
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Aug 4, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Max Fried (54) throws the ball against the Chicago Cubs during the first inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 4, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Max Fried (54) throws the ball against the Chicago Cubs during the first inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports /

Braves rumors: Max Fried’s short start could be cause for concern down the stretch

When the Braves returned Max Fried to their rotation after a lengthy stay on the injured list, excitement and buzz grew around the city of Atlanta. The excitement, obviously, came with returning one of the better pitchers in the entire National League to help them push towards a World Series. But along with that excitement, there was a reasonable amount of anxiety to go with it. Fried had been out for three months with a throwing arm injury. There’s obvious reason for concern there.

Fried understood that and responded accordingly in his first start back, firing 6 shutout innings on 72 pitches against the Cubs. In his next start, Fried continued to roll through the first 3 innings, pitching a shutout through 3. Trouble grew in the fourth when a walk, hit by pitch and 3 singles plated 4 runs, promptly ending Fried’s day after just 4 innings.

Starting pitching trouble has been brewing in Atlanta and it’s a real cause for concern. In terms of starter ERA since the All-Star Break, Atlanta ranks second to last in the entire MLB. Their lineup has been able to carry the load for a majority of the season, but it’s still a concern for Atlanta. Can they win it all with a rotation that’s struggling to pitch well and pitch deep into games?

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