Fried was optioned to Triple-A Gwinnett on Friday.
Fried was in the mix for the Braves' fifth starter spot but will instead begin the year in the minors. Fried posted a 3.81 ERA in 26 major-league innings last year, though both his strikeout and walk rates were below par and his FIP was a less-palatable 4.81. The 24-year-old lefty has just six innings at the Triple-A level, but with strong performances there he could return to the majors at some point this season. The Braves' rotation will contain at least one veteran placeholder in Brandon McCarthy and possibly a second in Scott Kazmir, so if a youngster like Fried impresses, his path won't be blocked.