:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/60410597/usa_today_10924427.0.jpg)
Atlanta Braves left-hander Max Fried will begin a rehab assignment at Gwinnett Wednesday night per a club announcement. Fried was placed on the 10-day disabled list back on July 6 due to a blister problem on his pitching hand.
The move is significant in that Fried is expected to be one of the options to rejoin Atlanta’s rotation when a fifth starter is needed following the break. Fried and Luiz Gohara are the two early favorites for that spot. The Braves may opt to give Fried a bit more time just to make sure that the blister issues are taken care of.
Fried has posted a 3.92 ERA in seven appearances including three starts this season. He threw a gem back on June 30 in St. Louis when he tossed 6.2 shutout innings while striking out a career-best 11. The blister issues began in his next start in which he allowed four hits and four runs in just three innings before exiting after 60 pitches.
Fried has made nine starts at the Triple-A level this season where he has a 4.29 ERA to go along with 51 strikeouts in 50.1 innings.