The number of Atlanta Braves players on the injured list has reached double digits after two core players, starting pitcher Max Fried and second baseman Ozzie Albies, went down over the weekend. Fried had a 3.08 ERA/3.71 FIP across 108 innings for the Braves before landing on the IL with neuritis in his left forearm. In Atlanta’s 6-2 loss to the Cardinals on Sunday, Albies broke his wrist. To replace Fried and Albies on the roster, the Braves recalled lefty Dylan Dodd and shortstop Nacho Alvarez Jr. from Triple-A Gwinnett and signed veteran 2B/OF Whit Merrifield to a major league contract.
After missing a good chunk of last year due to forearm pain, 30-year-old Fried has been dominant this season. The Braves are being cautious with him due to neuritis in his forearm possibly being related to an underlying problem with the UCL. Albies, who today underwent X-rays that revealed a left wrist fracture expected to keep him out for eight weeks, has struggled at the plate recently. The injuries have lowered the ceiling of the Braves’ offense.
Merrifield, though past his peak years, was quickly signed by the Braves. The projection systems are not bullish on his performance, but he appears to be the best short-term option for second base with Alvarez as a utility player. The injuries have impacted the Braves’ chances in the NL East but they remain strong contenders for a Wild Card spot. Despite the setbacks, the Braves have options before the trade deadline to address the injuries and bolster their roster for a playoff push. The team’s resilience will be tested as they navigate through these challenges.
