Max Fried finished up his rehab start with the Gwinnett Stripers today, and it’s very clear he will need a few of these before returning to ramp up his workload. The Braves are taking things slowly with Fried, and I can’t say that I blame them.
Max Fried in his first rehab start: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 2 BB, 1 K, 35 pitches (18 strikes)
Fried averaged 94 mph with his four-seam fastball. He touched 96 mph. He threw 35 pitches after estimating he threw around 30 in his second live batting practice session (on Tuesday).
— Justin Toscano (@JustinCToscano) July 9, 2023
In his first game since May, Max Fried issued two walks and allowed a double in his first inning. He picked off a runner. He did not allow a run. Fried touched 96 mph twice.
— Justin Toscano (@JustinCToscano) July 9, 2023
There was going to be some rust with a two-month layoff, so I am not exactly concerned about his statistics. His velocity was high, and he passed the eye test. Now, it’s just about getting stretched out. I expect that to happen over the next few starts, meaning we could see him in Atlanta at the end of July.
AJ Minter exited the game with an injury last night, but thankfully, he seems to be okay as well:
“When all the infielders came up around the mound, I was like, ‘Guys, I’m fine, I’m fine,’” A.J. Minter said. “I know I probably scared some people, but I was just trying to be smart.”
More on the pectoral tightness he felt. https://t.co/tfu2r1nPNa
— Justin Toscano (@JustinCToscano) July 9, 2023
Some may scoff at calling Minter one of the most important pieces of this pitching staff, but he has really come around since an abhorrent start to the season.
It’s been a strange season for Minter, as the lefty has struggled to a 4.91 ERA in 40 1/3 innings of work despite sterling peripherals, including a 2.84 FIP. That being said, Minter’s ugly ERA figure is inflated by an extremely low 57.3% strand rate and has been dropping rapidly in recent weeks, as the lefty has posted a 1.56 ERA in his last 20 appearances.
The Braves are going to need Minter, especially since he really turns things on in the playoffs. Hopefully, he’s fully rested and ready to go following the All-Star break.
Photographer: Jeff Robinson/Icon Sportswire
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