Spring training 2018 will be critical for Max Fried. The Braves’ 23-year-old, California-born left-handed prospect will be vying for a back-end spot in a crowded rotation next season.

In his first action since the season ended, Fried dominated his first Arizona Fall League outing for Peoria, pitching three shutout innings Tuesday.

Fried struck out the side in the first inning and finished with seven total strikeouts. About the best one could hope for, to say the least.

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