The Atlanta Braves were dealt a major blow on Tuesday as it was announced that Max Fried and Kyle Wright would likely be out for months with injuries.
Fried, who was expected to be the Braves’ ace this season, has been dealing with a strained hamstring since early April. He was placed on the 10-day injured list but suffered a setback during his rehab and was sent back to Atlanta to receive further treatment. The left-hander is expected to miss at least six weeks.
Wright, meanwhile, was placed on the IL with a blister on his right index finger. The young right-hander had struggled in his first few starts of the season, but the Braves were hoping he could turn things around. Now, he’s expected to miss 4-6 weeks.
The injuries to Fried and Wright leave the Braves’ rotation in a precarious position. Atlanta already lost Mike Soroka for the season due to a torn Achilles, and now two more key pieces of their starting staff are on the shelf.
With Fried and Wright out, the Braves will likely turn to a combination of Drew Smyly, Ian Anderson, Charlie Morton, and Bryse Wilson to fill out their rotation. Smyly has been solid in his first three starts of the season, posting a 4.26 ERA and 1.21 WHIP. Anderson has also been impressive, allowing just one run in 11 innings pitched. Morton, who signed with the Braves in the offseason, has struggled in his first few starts but has a track record of success that should give Atlanta some hope. Wilson is a young pitcher with a lot of potential, but he has yet to establish himself at the major league level.
The Braves’ pitching staff was expected to be a strength this season, but injuries have derailed those plans. The pressure will now be on Smyly, Anderson, Morton, and Wilson to step up and fill the void left by Fried and Wright. If they can’t, the team’s playoff hopes could be in serious jeopardy.
The Braves’ offense has been strong this season, ranking in the top five in the National League in runs scored, batting average, and on-base percentage. But without a reliable starting rotation, it will be difficult for the team to compete with the likes of the New York Mets and Philadelphia Phillies in the NL East.
Injuries are a part of the game, but the Braves’ rotation has been hit particularly hard this season. It will be up to the remaining pitchers on the staff to step up and keep Atlanta in the playoff race until Fried and Wright are able to return.
