Braves News: Atlanta welcomes back Ace Max Fried; DFA Outfielder Dalton Guthrie
Max Fried is back! He will take the ball on Friday afternoon when the Braves face the Cubs at Wrigley Field at 2:20 p.m. ET.
He's baaaaaack!
Today, the Braves officially reinstated LHP Max Fried from the 60-day injured list. Fried went on the IL back in early May. Initially, he was placed on the 15-day IL for a strained left forearm. After nearly a month without progression, Fried was transferred to the 60-day IL.
Max Fried will take the mound on Friday afternoon against the Chicago Cubs. To make room for Fried on the 40-man roster, Atlanta designated outfield Dalton Guthrie for assignment.
To make room on the 40-man roster, the club designated OF Dalton Guthrie for assignment.
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) August 4, 2023
Guthrie has appeared in 11 games this season for the Gwinnett Stripers, going 12 for 40 with 0 homeruns and 6 RBIs.
After making four rehab starts at the Triple-A level, the Braves feel that Fried is in game shape and ready to return to a big league mound.
Prior to his injury, Max Fried was pitching like the ace he is. The left-hander is 2-1 with a 2.08 ERA in just 5 games for the Braves in 2023. One of those starts was a complete game shutout agaisnt the New York Mets at Citi Field.
Even without their number one starter in the rotation, the Braves have maintained the best record in baseball for the majority of the season. Upon Fried's retun, the 69-37 Atlanta Braves will get even better.
The trade deadline was a little more tricky than usual for Alex Anthopoulos. It is typically very clear what the team needs are. AA was in the market for bullpen help and starting pitching but knew that Max Fried was close to return.
Fried rejoining the starting rotation could very well could be even better than acquiring a frontline starter via trade. The Braves did not have to give away any prospects or money and in return they gain one of the best pitchers in baseball.
This also allows the Braves to have a steady, complete five man starting rotation for the first time in a while. Max Fried, Spencer Strider, Charlie Morton, Bryce Elder and Yonny Chirinos fills out the rotation.
Manager Brian Snitker will have options once Kyle Wright returns but for now, these are the arms that will be taking the ball every five days.
Penciling in Max Fried's name on Friday's lineup card had to be a feeling of excitment and relief for Snitker.