REPORTS: Max Fried aiming for return soon after All-Star Break
The Atlanta Braves are getting some good news about their injured rotation. Ace Max Fried, out since May 9th with a right forearm strain, has resumed full body workouts and is close to resuming a throwing program, with a projected return of right around the All-Star Break (July 8th-11th).
Per the AJC's Justin Toscano, Fried's been able to do full-body workouts, including arm work, so there's no underlying issues there with the health of the forearm, just not using the specific muscle.
And per The Athletic's David O'Brien, Fried's getting close to resuming his throwing program.
It's important to remember that Max is coming up on three weeks without throwing, so if he's cleared in the next week, you're looking at about a month of ramp up work to get back into "pitching shape" - the conventional rule of thumb is one week of work for each week you were sidelined, so four weeks of work after four weeks of rest.
Factoring a rehab start of two and plugging that into the calendar gives us - yep, right around the All-Star Break in early July, with the timetable varying before or after based on how many rehab starts are needed (but it feels like after is the safest bet).
Fried's due back sooner than Kyle Wright, who was transferred to the 60-day IL last week. Given the timing of the move (May 4th), Wright is unable to return until at least early-July, and it's projected to be even longer. He's not yet able to throw with the shoulder issue, and so you're looking at an even longer ramp up period for Wright - possibly only for September and/or postseason play.
In the meantime, the Braves are going to roll with the core three for now - Spencer Strider, Charlie Morton, and Bryce Elder. They can hope that Jared Shuster's up for good as the 4th starter, which means filling only one hole with Dylan Dodd, Michael Soroka, or possibly a future acquisition.
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