All the talk coming into Game 2 was about how Max Fried would feel on the bump following a two-week absence with a blister and whether it would affect him. From the result — four innings, three earned runs, six hits, four walks, and three strikeouts — it was overwhelmingly obvious that Fried didn’t have anywhere close to his A-stuff. However, Fried spoke after the game and said the blister felt fine, and that it was nothing more than rust that prevented him from executing the way he would have liked.
Max Fried says the blister on his left index finger was not an issue, but was "awfully rusty." Said only pitch working was curveball.
Encouraging health-wise though since the Braves hope he'll be called upon again (maybe a few times) this postseason. pic.twitter.com/a7oW6hn2lY— Justin Felder (@Justin_FOX5) October 10, 2023
Despite Fried’s poor outing, the Braves were able to claw out a comeback victory behind a couple of massive swings from Travis d’Arnaud and Austin Riley, along with some fantastic defense courtesy of Michael Harris II. It was the kind of win that can swing a series, and one would think Max Fried would be a big part of that if the Braves are to advance.
The Braves lefty ace is scheduled to pitch a potential winner-take-all Game 5 at Truist Park against Zack Wheeler if the two sides split in Philadelphia, a place that has proven to be extremely difficult to win at as the road team in the postseason. During the Phillies run to the World Series, they went 8-2 at Citizens Bank Ballpark in front of their raucous crown, including a 2-0 mark versus the Braves in the NLDS.
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Photo: David J. Griffin/Icon Sportswire
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