ATLANTA, GA – SEPTEMBER 30: Max Fried #54 of the Atlanta Braves walks on to the field prior to the game against the New York Mets at Truist Park on September 30, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin Liles/Atlanta Braves/Getty Images)
The Atlanta Braves placed Max Fried on the injured list Tuesday morning for the second time this season. It’s time to start thinking about replacements.
Max Fried’s strained forearm will keep him out most of the month. However, it’s his second time on the injured list this season, which could hint at larger issues down the line.
A forearm strain can be simple — for example, perhaps Fried does come back by the end of the month and pitches well in his return — or, it could merely be the start of injuries further down the arm, like Fried’s elbow. That would surely result in a longer absence, but I won’t put that into the universe just yet.
Either way, Fried has proven so far this season that the Braves cannot count on him alone atop the rotation. This is why their starting pitching depth is so valuable. Spencer Strider, Kyle Wright and Charlie Morton are a three-headed monster, but behind them is Bryce Elder and a bevy of minor-league pitching options with major-league experience. As FanSided’s resident Braves fan John Buhler points out, there’s still plenty to be excited about in the Atlanta rotation:
“If there is any good news for the Braves rotation, it is that Spencer Strider remains largely unhittable, Bryce Elder looks like he is here to stay and Charlie Morton is an ageless wonder. Of course, Atlanta is probably not winning the World Series if the Braves cannot count on Fried and Wright in October. It is about treading water in the early part of the year, only to get hot later on.”
With that in mind, here are four ways Alex Anthopoulos could replace Fried, including one trade.
Braves rumors: Call up Mike Soroka
The timing may not be perfect, as the Braves have been limiting Soroka’s innings in recent outings, but Fried’s absence has forced Alex Anthopoulos’ hand. Soroka is a former All-Star, but pitched just 13 2/3 innings from 2020-22 in the big leagues and minors. A series of injuries forced Soroka out of action for much of the last three seasons, and Braves fans have been on high alert for his comeback story to make its way back to the major leagues.
The good news for the Braves is that given Fried’s IL stint is expected to be a short one, perhaps Soroka could come up and make a spot start, or simply fill some innings for an Atlanta team that would prefer not to tax its bullpen at this point in the season.
Soroka clearly has the talent to pitch in the majors. He’s done it before, and Brian Snitker has liked what he’s seen in Triple-A Gwinnett. The front office has been watching Soroka closely, as he’s a good stashed starter to have on the 40-man. If he’s ready, they’ll call him up.