The Braves once again faced difficulties during a Sunday game, suffering a 6-2 loss to the Cardinals. This result was significant, as the Cardinals won two out of three games over the weekend, gaining ground on the Braves for the top NL Wild Card spot.
However, the worst news came earlier in the day. Max Fried was placed on the injured list with left forearm neuritis, prompting Dylan Dodd’s recall to Atlanta. Given Fried’s previous forearm issues in the 2023 season, there was immediate concern. Fortunately, an MRI revealed no structural damage, and both Fried and manager Brian Snitker remain optimistic about his return.
Later, during the game, second baseman Ozzie Albies left the field in visible pain due to a wrist injury. Post-game reports confirmed a broken left wrist, with hopes for an eight-week recovery.
Overall, it was a tough Sunday for the Braves. Although there’s optimism about seeing Fried and Albies back this year, their potential contributions and lingering injury concerns are uncertain. The Braves now face significant challenges in filling the gaps in their lineup and rotation, making the upcoming 2024 MLB Trade Deadline even more critical.
In response to Albies’ injury, the Braves plan to promote top positional prospect Nacho Alvarez, who has been impressive at the plate in Gwinnett, aiming to spark the lineup.
As the Braves prepare to host the Reds for a three-game series, they need and should aim to win, with Chris Sale and Reynaldo Lopez pitching.
Additionally, Atlanta is making progress toward signing their 2024 MLB draft class. On a positive note, 2023 Braves draft pick Drue Hackenberg struck out 16 over seven innings for Double-A Mississippi.
For more on Max Fried’s injury, Gabe Burns and Justin Toscano of the AJC provided insights, while David O’Brien of The Athletic discussed the impact of Albies’ injury and Alvarez’s promotion.
In other MLB news, Shohei Ohtani hit one of the longest home runs in Dodger Stadium history. The Baseball Hall of Fame inducted four new members, including Adrian Beltre, Todd Helton, and Joe Mauer. Yordan Alvarez hit for the cycle in the Astros’ loss to the Mariners, who received positive news on Julio RodrÃguez’s injured ankle.
The Phillies defeated the Pirates 6-0, and the Marlins triumphed over the Mets. Both the Dodgers and Orioles are reportedly interested in Tigers ace Tarik Skubal. Yoshinobu Yamamoto is working on returning from injury for the Dodgers. The Mariners placed Ty France on waivers, and White Sox starter Eric Fedde might be a trade target for the Cardinals. Tyler Glasnow and Clayton Kershaw are set to return this week for the Dodgers.
