Braves starting pitchers Max Fried and Kyle Wright both took big steps in the right direction towards returning from the IL.

The Braves have been one of the best teams in the MLB over the last few seasons, including the start of 2023. With Spencer Strider struggling the way he has, Atlanta is anxiously awaiting the return of starting pitchers Max Fried and Kyle Wright

Max Fried looked like a true ace to start the season, pitching to an ERA around 2.00 in five starts. Fried has spent the last month on the IL with a strained forearm muscle in his throwing arm. There are direct correlations between forearm injuries and UCL injuries, which have affected Fried in the past. Thus, it makes plenty of sense why the Braves are being cautious with the lefty.

He has taken a huge step in the right direction recently though, as he has begun work on the mound for the first time since the injury, per David O'Brien of The Athletic.

The timetable on Fried continues to be conservative, as the Braves eye a return post-All-Star break.

Max Fried, Kyle Wright showing encouraging signs for imminent returns

Kyle Wright didn't begin the season as well as Fried did, but he has proven to be quality starter in the past, including an incredible 21-win campaign in 2022. Wright has a spot in the Braves rotation, but his 2023 plans were altered when he was sent to the IL with right shoulder inflammation.

But Wright has taken a huge step forward in terms of returning to the field. He has been cleared to begin his throwing program now. This leaves the Braves, Wright, and Braves fans without an exact timetable for his return though, as this program is likely to be built around how Wright feels day to day.

These two signs of improvement will look to solidify Atlanta's rotation down the stretch of the season. With these two returning after the All-Star break, they will be able to take pressure off of the lineup and Spencer Strider, boosting the Braves through the rest of the season.