(Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
The rich are about to get richer.
The Atlanta Braves, owners of MLB’s best record at 62-33, are close to getting their Opening Day starter back.
That’s right: Max Fried, who has been out since early May with a left forearm strain, could return to the Braves rotation next week if all goes well on Friday.
Braves insider Mark Bowman explains.
“Gwinnett was rained out last night. So, Fried will start the first game of tonight’s doubleheader. He’ll attempt to at least pitch into the fifth inning. If the Braves decide he doesn’t need any additional rehab starts, he would be on regular rest for Wednesday’s game at Boston,” Bowman tweeted.
Gwinnett was rained out last night. So, Fried will start the first game of tonight’s doubleheader. He’ll attempt to at least pitch into the fifth inning. If the Braves decide he doesn’t need any additional rehab starts, he would be on regular rest for Wednesday’s game at Boston
— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) July 21, 2023
Fried was supposed to start Thursday for Gwinnett, but the game was postponed due to rain.
A doubleheader will be played on Friday, and Fried will start one of the games.
If he can achieve his goals for the day (getting through it with no setbacks and pitching into the fifth frame), there is a big chance he makes his next start for the Braves, likely on Wednesday against the Red Sox.
The Braves have shown the depth to cope with Fried and Kyle Wright’s absences, with names such as Bryce Elder, Jared Shuster, AJ Smith-Shawver, and Allan Winans making important starts for the team.
If he ends up returning next week, Fried will probably take Winans’ spot, although Elder has a 5.44 ERA in eight starts and 43 innings since the start of June.
Fried was brilliant in five starts prior to going down with the injury, with a 2.08 ERA.
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