The Braves can’t stop winning. They’ve won 18 of their last 21 games, sit a smooth 6.5 games ahead of the Marlins for first place in the NL East, and they could be getting Max Fried back after the All-Star break.
Prior to Monday night’s contest against the Twins, Max Fried tossed his third bullpen session, and it’s being reported that he is close to facing live hitters again.
Fried will probably toss a couple of live BP sessions against his teammates. Assuming everything goes well, he should begin his rehab assignment soon after that.
Given Fried is a starting pitcher and how valuable he is to the Braves, things will likely be taken slowly. He will probably work his pitch count up over several starts, but right now, a week or two after the All-Star break seems like a realistic timetable for his return. With a healthy Max Fried, it’s impossible to see anybody chasing the Braves down in the NL East.
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