Notes: Fried scratched; Young Sr. stays busy

Braves left-hander Max Fried was scratched from Friday’s scheduled start against the Twins because of possible exposure to COVID-19. The news comes after Atlanta's 6-1 loss to the Pirates in seven innings in Thursday's Grapefruit League contest.

Manager Brian Snitker said Fried will lay low for a few days before he is activated. Fried was one of the Braves' top pitchers the previous two seasons, winning 24 games.

Snitker did not say who will pitch against the Twins on Friday at CoolToday Park.

Young Sr. hard at spring work

Snitker said it wasn’t an easy decision for first-base coach Eric Young Sr. to opt out during the 2020 season. Young was a high risk to catch the coronavirus.

Although he stayed at home last season, Young was heavily involved with what was going on in the Braves' organization.

“He was on daily Zoom calls with the analytics department and [then first-base coach] DeMarlo [Hale],” Snitker said. “So Eric was involved every day. He wasn’t physically here, but he was part of the process every day.”

This season, Young is back on the field. Besides coaching first base, Young sets the defense in the outfield and works with the baserunners. During batting practice, Young works with the outfielders on drills and throwing.

Worth noting

Braves catcher William Contreras, ranked as the club's No. 7 prospect by MLB Pipeline, is looking win a job as a backup to starter Travis d’Arnaud. Contreras, 23, is off to a good start, leading the team in RBIs with three entering Thursday’s action against the Pirates.

“I come here this year mentally to work hard. I’m competing.” Contreras said. “This moment I feel really good. … I know if the team gives me the opportunity to play, I'm [going to do my best]. I feel really good.”

Contreras is the younger brother of Cubs catcher Willson Contreras.