Brian Snitker confirms that Max Fried will start on Friday against Chicago Cubs

Atlanta's getting their ace lefty back after more than two months on the IL for a forearm strain

The Atlanta Braves are preparing to activate left-hander Max Fried from the injured list to start Friday's season opener in Chicago against the Cubs. Manager Brian Snitker briefed reporters on the plan this afternoon in his postgame comments after the Braves defeated the Angels, 12-5, in Truist Park to take the series. 

Max Fried is starting Friday. We repeat. Max Fried is starting Friday🔊

Brian Snitker's thoughts on the Angels series and the upcoming roadtrip to Wrigley Field⤵️ pic.twitter.com/nPummkTUtJ

— Bally Sports South (@BallySportsSO) August 2, 2023

"Max will pitch" when asked about who Friday's starter was, confirming what he mentioned to Joe Simpson on "The Brian Snitker Report" before Wednesday's game. 

Snitker elaborated as to what adding someone like Max Fried can do for a team. "It's awesome. Can't wait to get him out there and get him back in the swing of things too. It's gonna be really, really good. Just like we got AJ (Minter) back - that's like making two really, really big trades for us. They've been out a long time, and that's two pretty good players to get back."  

Fried completed his 4th rehab start last Saturday, throwing over 70 pitches. It's believed he won't have any sort of restrictions on his outing this Friday. 

According to pitching coach Rick Kranitz (as told to Bally's Lauren Jbara, Fried's stuff looks to be back as well."  

His stuff looks exactly the same as it has been before🗣️@laurenjbara asked Rick Kranitz about Max Fried and when Braves fans can expect him back on the mound👇 pic.twitter.com/b7fxDvoeAh

— Bally Sports South (@BallySportsSO) August 2, 2023

It's a great luxury for Atlanta to be adding a pitcher of Max Fried's caliber this late in the season - luxury because Atlanta's not hurting for competent pitching performances. Heading into today, Atlanta had three of the top twelve starting pitchers in ERA among qualified NL starters in Bryce Elder (4th, at 3.18), Spencer Strider (11th, at 3.61), and Charlie Morton (12th, at 3.62). 

Spencer Strider's also the common betting favorite for National League Cy Young, with Blake Snell of the Padres having a better ERA (2.50) but Strider leading all of baseball in wins (12), strikeouts (208), and strikeout rate (14.4 K/9). 

And when Max Fried is BACK, Atlanta's going to be very hard to stop. 

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