Max Fried will make rehab start Friday

Braves lefty Max Fried is ahead of schedule in recovering from a groin injury sustained in his last start Aug. 7.

Fried tried to dodge a liner from Washington’s Spencer Kieboom, hurting himself in the process and exiting after two innings. He was placed on the 10-day disabled list with a groin strain following the 8-3 loss.

But Fried has progressed faster than the team anticipated. He’ll make a rehab start with Triple-A Gwinnett on Friday.

“I thought it’d be a little while. Quicker than what we originally thought, so that’s good,” manager Brian Snitker said.

A healthy Fried and Touki Toussaint are the primary candidates for spot starts in the final few weeks. The Braves are sticking with a standard five-man rotation, but they hope to sprinkle in addition starters to provide extra rest for their regulars.

Fried, 24, has earned a 3.14 ERA in 10 appearances (five starts). He’s struck out 36 in 28-2/3 innings.

About the Author

Why this year probably is Dale Murphy’s best shot to get into the Hall of Fame

Braves remain focused on pitching ahead of winter meetings

The Braves have ample spending room, so their options aren’t limited by finances. There are free-agent starters galore, and the trade market offers additional avenues.