The Atlanta Braves were finally starting to get healthy and get things lined up for their impending postseason run. In particular, Max Fried looked like his former self last night in the Braves' dominant win over the Nationals, but trouble was brewing with his blister issues.
Fried said after the game that fluid started to develop in the area where he had been dealing with an infant blister and had to have it drained. While no one really expected it to be a long-term problem, the Braves are playing things extra safe with Fried the rest of the way.
The #Braves today recalled RHP Darius Vines to Atlanta and placed LHP Max Fried on the 15-day injured list with a blister on his left index finger.
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) September 22, 2023
Braves place Max Fried on the injured list, recall Darius Vines
Before Braves fans look for some traffic to wander into, this is very likely to mean very little for the rest of the regular season. It wasn't a lock that Fried was going to make another start this season anyway as he does very well with a lot of rest and would give his finger time to heal up completely before the NLDS. The move to put him on the IL gives the Braves a roster spot for Vines and commits them to getting Max healed up.
As for Vines, he has done very well for himself this season in limited action. Through three appearances with the Braves this year, Vines has posted a 3.23 ERA with eight strikeouts in 11 innings of work. Given how well he has pitched, it will be curious if the Braves decide to consider Vines for a postseason roster spot out of the bullpen to cover innings in the event of a disaster outing from one of the starters.
In short, yeah...it stinks that Fried is heading to the injured list. However, with this IL break and the time off after the season ends, Max should be more than ready for the start of the postseason.