Fried Struggles in Return, Offense Falls Flat as Braves Drop Game Four Against Marlins

The Atlanta Braves (60-51) couldn't capitalize against a depleted Miami Marlins (42-70) team on Sunday afternoon. They dropped game four of the series and will settle for a series split after taking the first two games of the series. Here's what you need to know from today's game:

Max Fried not sharp in return from injured list

The Braves received good news on Sunday morning when LHP Max Fried was reinstated from the injured list and announced as the starter for game four against the Marlins. As expected, Fried was not as sharp as usual after going 24 days in between big-league starts. The left-hander exited in the fourth inning with two runners on and the Marlins leading 3-0. Luke Jackson relieved him and promptly allowed a three-run homer to Jonah Bride , giving Miami a 6-0 lead. His final line was 3.1 innings pitched, allowing four hits, and five earned runs.

Fried struggled with his command, walking a career-high five batters. He threw 82 pitchers including 46 balls, retiring just 10 hitters. Luke Jackson worked another three innings after replacing Fried in the third before Aaron Bummer allowed another run in the eighth inning. Atlanta can only hope that Fried's outing can be dismissed as some rustiness after an extended IL stint. He is in line to make his next start against the Colorado Rockies next weekend.

Offense falls flat... again

Right when it looks like the Braves offense has turned a corner, they turn in performances like they did on Saturday and Sunday this weekend. They were shut out on Sunday afternoon for the sixth time this season. Miami starter Edward Cabrera came into game four with a 1-2 record and a 9.39 ERA on the road this season. A Braves offense with the most home runs in MLB since the All-Star break was unable to put up a fight against him. Cabrera exited the game after five scoreless innings, allowing just three hits and striking out eight hitters.

A huge turning point in the game occurred in the third inning when an Austin Riley RBI double was overturned after a Marlins challenge. Jorge Soler was initially ruled safe at home plate, charging from first base and beating a relay throw from second baseman Otto Lopez . MLB's replay operations overturned the call, ruling that Soler was tagged on the arm before touching home plate. Atlanta was 0-for-3 with runners in scoring position, and Marcell Ozuna 's two double play balls killed any attempt at a rally. Austin Riley continued to rake for Atlanta with a 3-for-4 day at the plate, but the rest of the lineup managed a combined three hits.

Braves' newcomers continue to struggle

The Braves and GM Alex Anthopoulos did not make a huge splash at this year's deadline and instead added 2021 World Series MVP Jorge Soler and fan-favorite reliever Luke Jackson to bolster the bullpen. Since rejoining the Braves, Soler has gone 2-for-17 with seven strikeouts including a game-ending punch out on Saturday night. Luke Jackson has just allowed one earned run but a three-run homer with two inherited runners on to Jonah Bride gave the Marlins a six-run fourth inning and blew Sunday's finale wide open.

With Ozzie Albies (left hamstring strain) likely out until September, the Braves took a chance on Whit Merrifield after he was released by the Philadelphia Phillies. The second baseman injured his finger during warm-ups in his first Braves appearance and has gone just 3-for-14 with five strikeouts since. With Adam Duvall hitting .185 in 2024 and Jarred Kelenic lacking consistency, the Braves desperately need injured CF Michael Harris II back in the outfield soon. Harris II is expected to rejoin Atlanta's lineup in mid-August.

What's Next?

Despite another uninspiring day at the ballpark, it is not time to panic if you're the Atlanta Braves. With the Phillies on the West Coast, the Braves won't know where they stand in the National League East until later this afternoon. The most they can trail Philadelphia by is six games. Regardless of other scores across the league, the Braves will head into Monday with sole possession of the top Wild Card spot in the National League.

Atlanta has an off day on Monday, their first since the All-Star break. They will be back in action on Tuesday night as they continue their homestand with a three-game series against the Milwaukee Brewers. First pitch at Truist Park is scheduled for 7:20 PM EST.