Left-hander Max Fried was roughed up in his first spring start, registering just one out while allowing three runs on three hits in the Braves’ 4-3 loss to the Blue Jays Monday.
Fried, who should have roughly four more outings before the regular season begins, also walked two in the team’s first road game of the spring. The 26-year-old is coming off his first full season in the majors, when he had a 4.02 ERA with 173 strikeouts in 165 2-3 innings.
While Fried had a forgettable frame, the top outfield prospects had a stellar first inning. Drew Waters singled home two runs, while Cristian Pache collected an RBI of his own in the next at-bat. Waters and Pache followed their hits with a successful double steal.
Ian Anderson, the Braves’ top pitching prospect, opened the third inning by striking out Lourdes Gurriel Jr. The next four Blue Jays reached, with one scoring on a balk, and Anderson was removed with two outs in the inning (the second out came on a throw to home plate).
The Braves did carry a few regulars on their trip to Dunedin to face the Blue Jays. Shortstop Dansby Swanson had a pair of hits. Outfielder Ender Inciarte went 1 for 3. Third baseman Johan Camargo went 0 for 2 with a run scored.
Austin Riley will likely be starting at third Tuesday, keeping with manager Brian Snitker’s plan to alternate the third basemen during their competition. Mike Foltynewicz makes his first exhibition start Tuesday when the Braves host the Twins at CoolToday Park.
