Atlanta Braves star pitcher Max Fried just got placed on the injured list for the third time this season.
In early April, he dealt with a strained left hamstring.
Then, in May, a strained left forearm forced him to miss several weeks of action.
Now, on Friday, the Braves made it official: he won’t pitch again in the 2023 regular season to give him time to heal a blister on his left index finger.
Right-hander Darius Vines was called up to take his place.
According to Braves insider Mark Bowman, Fried remains on schedule to pitch in the National League Division Series even though he won’t be available for any more regular-season games.
“Fried hinted last night that he might not pitch again during the regular season. This won’t affect his status for the NLDS. 15 days expires the day before Game 1,” Bowman tweeted.
Fried hinted last night that he might not pitch again during the regular season. This won’t affect his status for the NLDS. 15 days expires the day before Game 1 https://t.co/3GOxtVEJea
— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) September 22, 2023
The Braves are also taking advantage of the opportunity to give Fried a breather, so he can take the ball in the NLDS refreshed and restored.
The playoffs have been the Braves’ priority for quite some time now, since they locked up their ticket a while ago.
Fried will try to win his second World Series championship, but the Braves’ road might start with the Philadelphia Phillies in the Division Series if the latter make it through the Wild Card round.
Fried has been in peak form this season when healthy, with a 2.55 ERA in 77.2 innings.
He also has 18 walks and 80 strikeouts and could have been a Cy Young contender if it wasn’t for the injuries.
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