Great News for Atlanta Braves: He is back
Max Fried continues his return to form, and the Braves close the gap on the top wild card spots.
Max Fried, Atlanta Braves starting pitcher, was outstanding against the Toronto Blue Jays on Friday night.
Max Fried had another solid night as the Atlanta Braves defeated the Toronto Blue Jays 3-1 to start their series.
Fried threw seven innings of one-run ball with no earned runs, five hits, and one walk while striking out eight. He stated after the game that he is feeling more in control of his arsenal, while also crediting his defenders.
“I’ve been commanding the ball a lot better – putting my fastball in areas where I’m not getting beat too bad,” Fried told ESPN. “I’m having a lot of great plays behind me that take a lot of pressure off myself and just trying to get as deep as possible into the game.”
He’s been working his way back into form after being on the Injured List. Fried posted a 7.90 ERA in his first three starts after returning, with opponents hitting.286/.397/.357.
It wasn’t the most appealing return to action, and it came at a time when the Braves desperately needed starting pitching. But he’s turned things around. He has a 2.07 ERA over his last four starts, including Friday night’s.
“Just kind of reverting back to what’s natural,” Fried joked. “I’m just trying to stay athletic. When I’m at my peak, I am as athletic as possible. I have a terrific rhythm and pace…when I’m doing well, I’m at my best.”
It’s coming at the perfect time. It’s the final month of the season, and the Braves are hoping to secure a postseason position. With another ace in top form, they can make it to October.
“There’s no moment too big for him,” Braves catcher Travis d’Arnaud explained. “He’s very good at staying calm, and he just has to execute.”
Fried stated that his goal is to give everything he has to return to the postseason.
“Knowing that I only have a handful of starts left, I wanna make sure I’m leaving everything out there every time I take the ball…you know what this time of year is leading up to.”
Atlanta is treading water in the National League East. The Phillies won their sixth game in a straight on Friday night, while the Mets extended their winning streak to eight. The Braves and the Mets are deadlocked for the third and final Wild Card position. However, they have closed the distance on the Padres and Diamondbacks to 3.0 and 1.5 games for first and second place, respectively.
The Braves resume their playoff drive on Saturday, hoping to win their series against the Blue Jays. The first pitch is planned for 7:20 p.m., with Spencer Schwellenbach taking the mound for the Braves.
