With Max Fried scheduled to be on the mound for two of the Atlanta Braves (3-4), seven-game homestand to begin the 2022 season, most fans and Braves players were optimistic of a hot start to begin the defense of the 2021 World Series championship.
But Fried (0-2, 5.73 ERA) has struggled in the early innings of both of his starts. Surrendering three runs to the Reds in the first 3 innings on opening day, and allowing the Nationals to put two runs on the board in the first inning of Wednesday’s loss.
Fried would exit the game against Washington in the sixth after being struck by a Nelson Cruz batted ball. The early reports are that he will not miss his next scheduled start against the rival Dodgers during the Braves upcoming 7-game west coast swing.
Fried had seemed to get into a good groove against the Nationals before having to exit with the injury, as he had retired 13 out of 15 entering the sixth inning. But the Braves will hope to see Fried start his games with a little less drama if they intend to get him into the win column over his next few starts in the rotation.
On the positive side of the spectrum, although Fried has taken the loss in both of his starts, his command has been very good. He as only allowed one walk thru 11 innings pitched, has struck out nine during that span, and has not allowed any balls to leave the yard.
The competition will not get any easier with the NL West favorite Dodgers waiting for Fried when he is scheduled to take the hill next week.