The Atlanta Braves’ pitching depth is being tested just before the deadline, as the team decided that starter Max Fried will need time to recover from a blister.
Fried, a key cog in the Braves’ rotation that has helped propel the team to a 6-game NL East division lead, developed a blister on his left index finger during his start against the Brewers on Monday night.
He was forced to depart the game after throwing 5 innings of shutout ball.
Blisters are notoriously unpredictable, and the Braves are unable to know exactly how much time it will take for him to recover from the injury.
In the meantime, the team will be tasked with replacing his consistency in the starting rotation. Fried has been solid this season, posting a 4.08 ERA with a 10-2 record and 102 strikeouts.
The team appears to be close to getting starter Kevin Gausman back in the rotation, as he is scheduled to make a rehab start for AAA Gwinnett on Wednesday night. He could be the short-term solution to replace Fried, but the team has actively been looking to acquire a starting pitcher at the deadline also.
The Braves will cross their fingers and hope that one of their best pitchers isn’t sidelined for too long with an annoying injury.
