By Scott Barancik, Editor

Max Fried, a 23-year-old pitcher picked 7th overall in the 2012 draft, was called up today by the Atlanta Braves.

Fried

Fried’s call-up is nothing less than surprising. The 6’4″ southpaw missed most of 2014 and all of 2015 with injuries and Tommy John surgery, and he didn’t exceed Single-A ball until this season, when Atlanta skipped him past High-A and straight to Double-A. Moreover, Fried has struggled at Double-A, striking out a batter per inning but earning a 2-11 record with a 5.92 ERA.

Fried recently has had more success by pitching shorter stints, however. Historically a starter, he will join Atlanta’s bullpen.

Fried reportedly will make his Major League debut tonight against Miami. Doing so would make him the 12th Jewish player in the Majors this season.

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