The lefty starter was out with a forearm strain and pitched like he hadn't missed any time.
CHICAGO — The best team in baseball just got even better.
On Friday, Atlanta Braves ace Max Fried, who went on the IL in early May with a forearm injury, returned to the starting rotation against the Chicago Cubs and looked excellent.
He threw a strong six innings against the Cubs at Wrigley. He was perfect into the fifth inning; he only gave up three hits, didn’t walk a batter, and struck out eight.
Fried showed why he’s the ace of the starting rotation, and with the large lead Atlanta has in the National League East division standings, he is returning to a relatively low-stress situation where he can work out any kinks.