Braves' Fried will have heavy heart vs. Marlins

Atlanta Braves left-hander Max Fried will be making his first start Saturday since the death of his close friend, Los Angeles Angels left-hander Tyler Skaggs.

The Southern California natives worked out together during the winter. Skaggs, 27, was found dead in his hotel room Monday in Texas.

"He was the guy I looked up to, as far as being an 18-year-old coming into pro ball and not knowing what to expect," Fried, 25, said, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. "We have the same agent, so he introduced us. We started working out together in offseasons. He showed me that hard work you need to have between offseasons to prepare yourself for a season.

"Always had an unbelievable attitude. He was a really good friend who I could go to for anything I needed."

Fried (9-3, 4.04 ERA) will start Saturday against the visiting Miami Marlins, who have the worst record in the National League and have dropped five consecutive games. Atlanta won the opener of a three-game series 1-0 on Friday night when Brian McCann lined a bases-loaded single into left field to drive in Freddie Freeman in the ninth inning.

Fried had a 5.68 ERA in six starts in June, but he was 2-0 as he was supported by hot Atlanta bats that have produced a total of 140 home runs, the third-best total in the National League. Fried has a 5.14 ERA without a decision in three career starts against the Marlins. He allowed three runs and six hits in six innings in Atlanta's 7-6 victory at Miami on June 9.

Atlanta is 9-1 against the Marlins this season, including three shutout victories. Miami has scored more than two runs in only three of the 10 games against the Braves.

The Marlins' pitching staff, however, has the sixth-best ERA in the National League (4.29) and the seventh-best WHIP (1.32).

"I think we knew we had talented guys," Miami manager Don Mattingly said of his pitchers. "You didn't know what kind of jump they were going to make. Spring training was a little bit of an indication ... but it's hard to take a lot of stock in spring training.

"But as the season has gone on, I think they have shown they can compete with anybody."

One night after getting six scoreless innings from 23-year-old starter Jordan Yamamoto, who lowered his ERA to 1.24 over five starts, the Marlins will get back lefty Caleb Smith (3-4, 3.41 ERA). He hasn't pitched since June 6 because of left hip inflammation.

Smith has given up 47 hits and 20 walks in 66 innings, striking out 82. He allowed three runs on four hits and two walks in six innings in a no-decision at Atlanta on April 7. He took the loss in his only other career start against the Braves, giving up two runs in 5 1/3 innings on May 10, 2018.

He made two rehab starts while on the injured list, including one Sunday in Double-A Jacksonville, throwing 83 pitches.

"He got his pitch count built up. I think he was in the 80s, but he may have thrown a little bit more and it sounds like he's worked his way back to health or basically build-up," Mattingly said, according to the Miami Herald. "He's been healthy for both of those starts, so we're ready to move forward from here."

Atlanta could be without shortstop Dansby Swanson, who missed Friday's game because of left quadriceps soreness.

--Field Level Media