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Braves lefty Fried focuses on mental approach for boost

NORTH PORT, Fla. (AP) — Max Fried throws a firm fastball and features a sharp curve, keys to a breakout season last year with the Atlanta Braves.

Moving ahead, he's focusing on a few other factors that aren't so easily apparent.

Fried has been working on meditation. He believes in visualization. He incorporates breathing into his movements while working out, also using it as a way to calm down and relax.

"I think a big step I can take is taking the mental game to the next level," Fried said. "There's only so much your body can do before you break down.