Max Fried’s late addition headlines Braves lineup in finale against Cubs

With news of Mike Soroka’s (hopefully harmless) trip to the disabled list, Max Fried will take the ball for the Atlanta Braves on Thursday evening and that change is suddenly the headliner of the festivities against the Chicago Cubs. The 24-year-old left-hander has enjoyed some level of success (2.98 FIP in three starts) in Triple-A Gwinnett this season but, from a Major League standpoint, Fried struggled to a 6.00 ERA in four appearances (all in relief duty) earlier in the season.

Obviously, this is a less than ideal spot for a young pitcher against a quality lineup on short notice but Fried does have considerable talent and he will be flanked by the following lineup in the series finale.

After facing two consecutive right-handers, the Braves will be opposed by veteran left-hander Jon Lester in this spot, which almost certainly plays a part in the decision to deploy Jose Bautista at third base. Otherwise, this is a fairly “regular” lineup from Atlanta (including the third straight start at shortstop for Johan Camargo) based on the recent past.

In addition, the Cubs will send the following lineup to the dish against Fried.

Join us throughout the evening for all the latest, including a game thread to come. Stay tuned.