Max Fried Injury Report: Expected time of recovery from a suspected hamstring strain

It was an unfortunate start to the 2023 season for Atlanta Braves starter Max Fried as the young star was lifted after 3.1 innings during the opening game of the season. Fried suffered an apparent hamstring injury, which caused Braves manager Brian Snitker to pull him out of the game.

The injury occurred during the fourth inning while covering first base against the Washington Nationals. Fried sprinted over to cover first base on a ground ball to Matt Olson, before grimacing and grabbing at his left hamstring after the play.

"Max Fried exited the Braves' game in the fourth inning after suffering an apparent leg injury (via@BravesOnBally)" - SI MLB

The Atlanta Braves medical staff came out to look at Fried. He attempted one warm-up pitch before exiting the game with the trainer. The news is concerning as the Braves are already without another young starter, Mike Soroka, who is working his way back from his own hamstring injury.

Fried's exit is currently being labeled as hamstring discomfort, as the severity of the injury is yet to be revealed. However, given the fact that Fried attempted to come back into the game, it suggests that the injury was not too serious.

"#Braves Max Fried injured on this play. Walked off under his own power. Replay showed him wincing at the end in discomfort." - Mike Kurland

Since no clear injury status has been released, there is a chance that Fried will not miss his next start. However, the Atlanta Braves may be encouraged to give him extended time to recover since the season just started.

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A look at Max Fried's MLB career so far

Fried was originally drafted by the San Diego Padres in the first round of the 2012 MLB June Amateur Draft. He remained with the organization until he was traded to the Braves in a six-player deal.

On December 19, 2014, the Padres traded Fried, Jace Peterson, Dustin Peterson, and Mallex Smith to Atlanta in exchange for Justin Upton and Aaron Northcraft. However, Fried missed the entire 2015 season for the Braves while he was recovering from Tommy John Surgery.

Fried made his MLB debut for the Braves during the 2017 season. He pitched out of the bullpen before becoming a full-time member of the rotation in 2019. Fried posted a 17-6 record with a 4.02 ERA and 173 strikeouts.

"𝙱𝙰𝙲𝙺-𝚃𝙾-𝙱𝙰𝙲𝙺-𝚃𝙾-𝙱𝙰𝙲𝙺. Max Fried wins his third career Gold Glove" - Bally Sports: Braves

Since then, Max Fried has won three Gold Glove Awards, a Silver Slugger Award, and the 2021 World Series with Atlanta. He was also named to his only All-Star Team last season.