Max Fried begins his bid for Braves opening day roster

Braves lefty Max Fried made his first start of spring Monday, going two innings against the Nationals.

Fried allowed one run, along with a walk and a strikeout. He settled in after a slow start that included a lead-off hit and walk.

Victor Robles hit a hard single to open the game. Fried then walked Wilmer Difo on four pitches before striking out phenom Juan Soto.

The Nationals executed a double steal that positioned Robles to score on a passed ball. Fried coaxed a double play from Yan Gomes to end the inning.

“I came out of it feeling physically well,” Fried said. “Obviously I need to sharpen some things up, it’s the first outing, but overall I felt good about it.”

His second frame was much smoother. Fried produced three ground outs, one of which came courtesy of an excellent diving play by first baseman Freddie Freeman.

Fried, 25, is fighting for a rotation or bullpen spot. He’s competing with Touki Toussaint and Luiz Gohara, among others, for the former.

The Braves (1-2) went on to defeat the Nationals, 9-4. Christian Pache had a three-run double in the sixth inning as the Braves broke open a 3-3 tie with four runs.

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