While the Atlanta Braves did not make any starting pitching moves at the MLB trade deadline, they received rotation help with the return of left-hander Max Fried.
Fried missed close to three months because of a strained left forearm.
He made his first start since May on August 3 against the Chicago Cubs. Fried picked up where he’d left off. He retired Chicago’s first 12 hitters in order and faced the minimum through five innings. Fried tossed six shutout innings, holding Chicago to three hits and no walks. He also struck out eight batters in the Braves’ 8-0 win.
Fried threw just 72 pitches. His four-seam fastball averaged 94.7 mph. In his previous five starts this season, it averaged 93.7 mph.
Fried, 29, made five starts earlier in the year before going on the shelf. In 26 innings, he had accumulated a 2.08 ERA (221 ERA+) and a 4.17 strikeout-to-walk ratio. His second start, against Pittsburgh on August 9, was a no-decision. The Braves won 6-5 over the Pirates at PNC Park. Although Fried cruised through three innings, he struggled during a 30-pitch, four-run fourth inning. His pitch count was at 79 when he exited.
The Max Factor
Rotation Remains Key
In the future, his presence in the starting rotation will solidify the Braves’ pennant pursuit. Spencer Strider, Charlie Morton, and Bryce Elder have an ERA above 5.00 since the All-Star break. These three carried the weight during Fried’s absence. The Braves have MLB’s best record but are just .500 since the break.
The San Diego Padres selected him 7th overall in the 2012 MLB Draft. An elbow injury in 2014 required Tommy John surgery, keeping him off the field for the entire season. In 2014, a trade sent him to the Braves. The subsequent years in the minors were a period of growth and maturity. He honed his curveball, a pitch later becoming his signature weapon.
On August 8, 2017, Fried made his major league debut for the Braves against the Phillies. He struck out his first major league batter, and it was clear that a star was on the rise.
His first season in the majors in 2018 saw him evolve into a pivotal member of the Braves rotation. Fried’s intellectual and physical approach combined a deep understanding of the game with his natural athletic prowess. His fluid delivery and fierce competitiveness became his trademarks.
In 2019, he marked a breakthrough for Fried, winning 17 games and solidifying his place as a mainstay in the Braves rotation. He played a vital role in the Braves NL East division title and showed flashes of brilliance in the postseason.
In the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, Fried’s success continued as he took on a leadership role within the Braves pitching staff. His excellence on the mound helped the Braves reach the NLCS, tantalizingly close to the World Series.
Max Performance
His 2021 season was another step up. A combination of his devastating curveball, impressive fastball, and indomitable will made him one of the most exciting pitchers to watch. His World Series-clinching performance in Game 6 included six shutout innings, six strikeouts, no walks, and only one runner advancing beyond first base. His version made it possible for the Braves to romp to a 7–0 victory over the Astros and a World Championship.
Another interesting fact about 2021: Fried batted .273 and became the last pitcher to win the Silver Slugger Award. The award is given annually to the best offensive player at each position in both leagues as determined by the coaches and managers. The NL adopted the designated hitter rule the following season. Therefore, Fried owns the final Silver Slugger Award for pitchers for a season.
The Best is Yet to Come
In 2022, he was better yet. In 30 starts, Fried posted a 14-7 record with a 2.48 ERA, 170 strikeouts to 32 walks, and a career-best 1.014 WHIP. The 30 starts tied his career high, matching his 2019 total, but Fried threw 20 more innings in 2022, a career-high 185 1⁄3, as he demonstrated that he can be consistently relied on to go at least 6 or 7 innings per outing.
His 2.48 ERA ranked third in the National League and was the fourth-lowest single-season ERA among Braves’ left-handers in the live ball era (min. 150 IP), behind Warren Spahn twice and Tom Glavine. He finished second in the Cy Young voting behind Sandy Alcantara and earned his third straight Gold Glove.
He has a 2.50 ERA this season with 37 strikeouts in 36 innings. It is the promise he possesses that keeps the Braves’ hopes of a postseason run alive.
Main Photo Credits: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Players Mentioned: Max Fried, Spencer Strider, Charlie Morton, Bryce Elder, Warren Spahn, Tom Glavine
