The Atlanta Braves have dealt with a handful of injuries already in 2024, none greater than losing right-hander Spencer Strider for the season. That unexpected development places an onus on the other members of the rotation to step up their game in his absence.
One way to counteract the effects of losing one ace is to have another step up to lead the way. The Braves happen to have just the man for the job.
Max Fried is no stranger to fronting the Atlanta pitching staff but his early season results have been anything but typical for the veteran lefty. Though his first four starts have not garnered the customary results, Fried knows timing is everything in this game.
“If you were to ask me if I would rather be clicking now or the end of the year, I’d say at the end of the year,” Fried told Bally Sports following his Wednesday start against the Houston Astros.