After posting silly numbers during the shortened 2020 season (7-0, 2.25 ERA), Max Fried had a forgetful beginning to his 2021 campaign, recording a gaudy 11.45 ERA over his first three starts, which was followed by an IL stint thanks to a hamstring injury. However, the southpaw has returned to his typical dominant form since his return.
Fried didn’t allow more than a run in his first four starts back from the IL, and over his last nine outings, he’s watched his ERA shrink to 4.16 on the season. During that span, hitters have hit just .203 off of him with a .585 OPS, resulting in a 2.61 ERA.
Fried isn’t just doing it with his arm, though. Remarkably, he has a .300 batting average on the season with a .364 OBP, and yesterday, he came through with the biggest hit of the afternoon — a walk-off single in the 10th inning.
MAX FRIED WALKS IT OFF. pic.twitter.com/UcxO6wx0An
— Bally Sports: Braves (@BravesOnBally) July 4, 2021
Now, Fried looks to continue his hot stretch on the mound today against the lowly Pirates, who sport arguably the worst offense in baseball. The Pittsburgh bats own the worst OPS in the game and have scored the least amount of runs of any team this season. It’s the perfect opportunity for Fried to put together yet another solid performance as he begins to look more and more like the ace of the Braves staff again.
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