The Atlanta Braves have suffered another significant injury. On Sunday morning, it was announced that left-handed pitcher Max Fried has been placed on the 15-day injured list due to forearm neuritis, effective July 18th. Left-hander Dylan Dodd has been recalled to replace Fried on the active roster.
Max Fried Goes on Injured List
Fried’s last pitching appearance was in the All-Star Game, where he completed one inning. The exact nature and timing of his injury remain unclear. Initially scheduled to start on Sunday, his start was pushed to Monday due to the postponement of Friday’s game.
Fried has been a standout performer for Atlanta, with an impressive 3.08 ERA and 1.157 WHIP in 108 innings pitched. His strong performance earned him a well-deserved selection to the All-Star team.
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Braves Rotation Going Forward
The Braves starting rotation has been dealt a significant blow with the loss of Spencer Strider to Tommy John surgery and the uncertainty surrounding the fifth starter spot. In order to address this issue, the Braves have decided to promote Dodd, providing them with a second southpaw in the rotation.
The Braves still have several options available to them in Triple-A Gwinnett. AJ Smith-Shawver has recently completed his rehab assignment after recovering from an oblique strain, while Darius Vines and Allan Winans are also viable options that the Braves have utilized in the past.
Dylan Dodd’s Triple-A and MLB Numbers
In the 2023 season, Dodd was ranked as the Braves’ 10th-best prospect. He made his MLB debut on April 4th against the St. Louis Cardinals, securing the victory in five innings pitched. Dodd concluded the 2023 season with a 2-2 record in seven games, recording a 7.60 ERA. Regrettably, his current performance at Triple-A Gwinnett this season has been less than satisfactory. With a 2-7 record and a 4.99 ERA in 17 total games, it doesn’t inspire hope for his anticipated successful return to the major leagues. It remains to be seen how long Dodd will remain on the active roster. Considering the limited options for starting left-handed pitchers in Atlanta, he may be granted an extended opportunity to prove himself.
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