Once again, the Braves experienced their struggles during an actual game on a Sunday, as they suffered a 6-2 loss to the Cardinals. The result was plenty significant as the Cardinals won two out of three games over the past two days, thus gaining a game in the standings on the Braves for the top NL Wild Card Spot.
Unfortunately, that was far from the worst news of the day. Early on Sunday, Dylan Dodd was recalled to Atlanta as Max Fried was placed on the injured list with left forearm neuritis. With the news being unexpected and the fact that Max Fried had missed the majority of his 2023 season with forearm issues, there was plenty of reason for immediate concern. However, while a specific recovery time is not known, the reaction from Fried and Brian Snitker seems positive, as an MRI revealed no structural damage and the Braves are hoping he can return to the mound soon.
As Sunday’s game was coming to an end, second baseman Ozzie Albies left in obvious pain due to injuring his wrist. It seemed pretty certain that the injury was significant, as Brian Sniter indicated after the game. The end result was a broken left wrist, with the hope that Albies can return in eight weeks.
Overall, this particular Sunday was pretty devastating for the Braves. While it does seem realistic we will see Fried and Albies again at some point this year, it is uncertain as of now how much they will be able to contribute over the home stretch of the season or how long injury concerns will linger. What is clear is that the Braves will have plenty of questions to answer in the coming days and weeks to fill big holes in their lineup and rotation. Furthermore, the 2024 MLB Trade Deadline just became a lot more interesting from a Braves perspective.
Braves News
One immediate move that Atlanta will reportedly make in response to the injury to Albies is promoting top positional prospect Nacho Alvarez to Atlanta. Alvarez has been highly impressive at the plate for weeks in Gwinnett, so the Braves are hoping he can provide an immediate spark to the lineup.
Atlanta will have to put all the negative news from Sunday in the rearview mirror as they welcome the Reds to town for a three game series. It will be a series the Braves need and should win, especially with Chris Sale and Reynaldo Lopez pitching.
Atlanta continued to make progress toward signing the entirety of its 2024 MLB draft class.
One impressive positive from Sunday was that 2023 Braves draft pick Drue Hacknenberg produced 16 strikeouts over seven innings for Double-A Mississippi.
For the AJC, Justin Toscano discussed Max Fried’s comments on his injury as Gabe Burns provided more details on Albies.
David Obrien of the Athletic highlighted Fried’s frustration that he will have to miss time, plus more on the injury to Albies and the arrival of Alvarez.
MLB News
Shohei Ohtani was at it again, hitting one of the longest home runs in the history of Dodger Stadium.
The Baseball Hall of Fame welcomed four new members on Sunday, including Adrian Beltre, Todd Helton, and Joe Mauer.
Yordan Alvarez hit for the cycle in the Astros loss to the Mariners in a big AL West battle. For the Mariners, initial reports were positive on the injured ankle of Julio Rodríguez.
The Phillies beat the Pirates 6-0 while the Marlins beat the Mets on Sunday.
Both the Dodgers and the Orioles are pursuing Tigers ace Tarik Skubal in trade talks, as multiple reports are now suggesting the interest of both contenders.
Yoshinobu Yamamoto is starting to ramp up his efforts to try and return from injury this season for the Dodgers.
The Mariners placed Ty France on waivers on Sunday.
White Sox starter Eric Fedde could be a trade target for the Cardinals.
Tyler Glasnow and Clayton Kershaw will return this week for the Dodgers.
