WASHINGTON -- Max Fried's lower back was bruised by a sharp liner, and he was feeling the immediate discomfort caused by a groin strain that has placed him back on the disabled list.
But as the Braves lefty spoke to reporters after making an early exit from Atlanta's 8-3 loss to the Nationals in the first game of Tuesday's doubleheader at Nationals Park, much of the pain he felt was mental. His latest injury could have lingering effects on a team battling to remain a postseason contender.
"I think more mentally, my ego is hurting," Fried said. "We obviously know how important these games are. You don't want to be coming out in the first game of a doubleheader after the second inning. I'm more frustrated with that right now."
Fried exited after being struck on the lower left side of his back by Spencer Kieboom's two-out liner in the second inning. Fried recorded an out on the play, but as he walked toward the dugout, he felt discomfort caused by the groin strain suffered as he tried to avoid the baseball.
The Braves placed Fried and right-handed reliever Shane Carle (right shoulder inflammation) on the 10-day disabled list in between Tuesday's games. Right-handed reliever Wes Parsons and left-handed reliever Adam McCreery were recalled from Triple-A Gwinnett to fill the vacant roster spots.
Fried was placed on the disabled list earlier this year because of a left middle finger blister -- an ailment that has bothered him throughout his professional career.
"It's frustrating, to say the least," Fried said. "You think you're just getting over the blisters. I really haven't had one in a while. I was feeling really good about it. I want to go out and keep us in the game as long as I can. These are really important games."
Had Fried not tweaked his groin, he likely could have continued pitching with just a bruised lower back. He is now looking at the possibility of being sidelined for a few weeks.