The Braves have been without two of their top starters for most of the season, but they’ve been able right the ship thanks to guys like Spencer Strider, Charlie Morton, Bryce Elder, and most recently, Jared Shuster stepping up. It’s ridiculous to think that the Braves still have the third-best starting pitcher ERA in baseball while missing two guys that both finished inside the top 10 of the NL Cy Young voting in 2023.
ERA, starters:
2.89 TBR
3.15 MIN
3.22 ATL
3.33 HOU
3.38 TEX
3.57 SF
3.72 PIT
3.91 SEA
3.94 CHC
3.95 TOR
3.99 LAD
4.17 CLE MIL
4.29 NYY
4.34 SD
4.38 WSH
4.61 MIA
4.72 ARI
4.76 BAL
4.81 CWS
4.87 PHI
4.89 STL
4.91 DET
4.92 LAA
5.09 NYM
5.53 KC
5.54 BOS
5.74 COL
6.14 CIN
7.26 OAK— Codify (@CodifyBaseball) May 22, 2023
It’s a testament to the depth of this team, but without Max Fried and Kyle Wright, it’s fair to wonder how sustainable their success is moving forward. The Braves need at least one of them back if they want to accomplish their ultimate goal, and it’s looking like Max Fried is on the right track.
In a recent tweet from the AJC’s Justin Toscano, he reports Fried is back to doing full body workouts, which includes arm workouts.
A promising sign: Max Fried is able to do full-body workouts, including working out his arms in the weight room. Right now, it’s just about letting the injury calm down with proper rest before he eventually starts building up when the doctors clear him for that.
— Justin Toscano (@JustinCToscano) May 22, 2023
The Braves are rightfully taking things very cautiously with the ace of their staff. They know what’s important is that he’s healthy for the stretch run and into the playoffs. The rest of this staff can carry the load until then.
Thankfully, it seems as if Fried avoided catastrophe. There was no damage to his UCL, and he’s already working his way back. I still think he will miss another 6-8 weeks, but that’s far better than the alternative. Hopefully, he’s able to return to the Braves around the All-Star break.
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Photo: David J. Griffin/Icon Sportswire
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