Braves' Fried Likely Head to IL, per Reports

The Atlanta Braves have likely lost ace Max Fried to the injured list with a left hamstring strain. He left his start against the Washington Nationals in the fourth inning of Opening Day.

The Atlanta Braves have likely lost ace left-handed pitcher Max Fried to the injured list, per manager Brian Snitker. MLBTraderumors reports that it is a left hamstring strain.

Max Fried Likely Headed To IL Due To Hamstring Strain https://t.co/gaiisKQfWN pic.twitter.com/mTzXlY3OAm

— MLB Trade Rumors (@mlbtraderumors) March 30, 2023

Fried left his Opening Day start against the Nationals in the fourth inning with hamstring discomfort. He experienced the discomfort in a play where he went to cover first base.

It's a big loss early for the Braves, as Fried went 14-7 with a 2.48 ERA a season ago and was a major reason why the Braves won 101 games and won the National League East.

He made the all-star team a season ago and has two top-five Cy Young finishes under his belt.

As for what the Braves do in his absence, they could call up a pitcher from AAA. Right-hander Ian Anderson could be the most logical choice. He's got a career 22-13 record with a lifetime 3.97 ERA, but he really struggled a season ago, when he had an ERA of 5.00.

Fried isn't the only Braves starter dealing with injuries. Kyle Wright is also on the injured list and won't be able to make his first start of the season as he deals with a shoulder issue. Wright was the league's lone 20-game winner a season ago, going 21-5.

Fried isn't the only injured ace in the National League East, either. Justin Verlander of the Mets is on the injured list with a right teres major strain and will be re-evaluated in a week.

The Braves beat the Nationals on Opening Day, 7-2.