Braves Star's Opinion On Max Fried Couldn't Be Clearer After Pitcher's Horrendous Return

Atlanta Braves star pitcher Max Fried did not have a memorable return to action on Sunday. In his first appearance in a game since the 2024 MLB All-Star break, Fried lasted just 3.1 innings on the mound during a 7-0 loss at home to the Miami Marlins.

Before he got pulled, Fried surrendered five earned runs on four hits. He struck out six Marlins hitters but he clearly struggled with his location, as evidenced by the five free passes he issued to Miami.

Despite Fried’s poor outing, Braves first baseman Matt Olson showed his full support for the 30-year-old southpaw.

“That’s a stud for us,” Olson said after the game (h/t Gabriel Burns of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution ).

“Just looking up and seeing him on the mound is a big boost. It wasn’t his best outing today but he’s been down a little bit. I’m sure they’re working out a couple kinks. That’s a stud in the rotation so good to see him back out there.”

Fried pitched against Miami after spending weeks sidelined by a forearm issue. Before his start on Sunday, the last time he pitched was at the 2024 All-Star Game where he only spent an inning on the hill before landing on the injured list.

On the season, Fried has a 7-6 record to go with a 3.40 ERA and a 1.20 WHIP across 19 starts.

The Braves, who dropped to 66-51, will look to rebound this Tuesday when they kick off a three-game series at home versus the Milwaukee Brewers.

Related: Max Fried Returns as Braves Seek Series Win Against Marlins on Sunday