The Braves have the best record in baseball and have been unstoppable over the last five weeks, which they’ve done without arguably the best left-handed pitcher on the planet in Max Fried. Last year’s runner up in the NL Cy Young race was dealing with some discomfort in his elbow around two months ago and landed on the 60-day IL.
That’s never what a team wants to hear in regards to the ace of their staff; however, X-Rays on the elbow determined there was no damage to the UCL. Fried is expected to return this season, and he just took another giant step forward in his recovery.
After throwing several successful bullpens, Fried has traveled with the team to Cleveland, where he will begin throwing some live batting practice sessions.
Max Fried is in Cleveland with the Braves. He is going to face hitters on Tuesday, his second time doing so.
— Justin Toscano (@JustinCToscano) July 3, 2023
I’m sure we will have an update tomorrow on how Fried felt, but providing everything continues to progress, it’s not unreasonable to think he will rejoin the team at some point in July. He’ll likely need a few rehab starts before appearing in Atlanta, but he could begin that process after the All-Star break.
Given how well the team has played without him, it’s in the Braves best interest to take things as slowly as possible. But make no mistake about it, Fried may be the single most important player on the team not named Ronald Acuña, and the Braves need him to accomplish their ultimate goal of winning a World Series.
—
Photo: David J. Griffin/Icon Sportswire
You must log in to post a comment.