Max Fried to IL; Braves’ Ozzie Albies out for eight weeks due to a fractured wrist.
For the time being, the Atlanta Braves will be without two of their best players.
Second baseman Ozzie Albies’ left wrist fracture was discovered by X-rays, and the team declared on Sunday that he will miss “approximately eight weeks” of action. According to the Associated Press (via ESPN), the organization also placed left-handed starting pitcher Max Fried on the 15-day injury list because of forearm neuritis, an inflammation of the nerve.
Until his symptoms subside, Fried will not take the mound.
Albies, who just finished a great year with the Braves, has a.258 batting average through 90 games this season with eight home runs and 46 RBI.
With Spencer Strider out for the season, Fried—who was recently nominated to his second All-Star team—has emerged as a vital member of the rotation with 18 appearances, 95 strikeouts, 3.08 ERA, and 1.16 WHIP.
The lefty experienced some discomfort prior to Tuesday’s All-Star Game, according to Braves manager Brian Snitker, and the problem persisted before Atlanta’s scheduled game against the St. Louis Cardinals on Friday—which was ultimately canceled.
Snitker expressed his hope that his time on the IL would only be temporary.
Fried and Albies’ injuries add to an unfortunate list of players who have missed time this season. Along with Strider, who made just two starts before undergoing surgery to repair the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow, reigning MVP Ronald Acuña Jr. is out for the year after tearing his ACL.
Still, the Braves have managed to hold their own and currently sit at 54-44 on the season, holding the top Wild Card in the National League. While they might not reach the 100-win mark like they have the last two seasons, the Braves could still make a postseason push if they avoid any more injuries.
