Braves second baseman Ozzie Albies exited today's game in the ninth inning due to a left wrist injury. As noted by David O'Brien of The Athletic, Albies' wrist was bent backwards when he tried to tag out the runner who had come off second base during the attempted steal. The Braves have not taken official action yet, but manager Brian Snitker told reporters (including O'Brien) after the game that Albies will be placed on the injured list and that while further testing is needed, the outlook on the injury is “not good. .”
The loss of Albies is another blow to a Braves club that has seen both reigning NL MVPs. Ronald Acuna Jr. and right hand ace Spencer Strider He had season-ending surgery. With Albies willing to join those two and the midfielder Michael Harris II and a star on the left Fried Max on the shelf, the Braves will limp into the trade deadline protecting a four-game lead in the NL Wild Card race without five of their biggest stars. While Chris Sale again Reynaldo Lopez they have stepped up this season as front-rotation arms as well Jarred Kelenic has performed admirably since moving into an everyday role as the club's central midfielder in place of Harris, there are no obvious solutions to replacing Albies in the club's active roster.
Even normal offensive production would be enough room for Albies at the plate, as the 27-year-old has had a down season this year. In 89 games this season, the starter has slashed a league average of nearly .255/.308/.403 in 390 trips to the plate. Still, the club's dearth of quality infield depth means the Braves are likely to look for solutions in Albies' absence, especially if it's as long as Snitker said.
Earlier this year, infielder Zack Short was picked up to play third base instead of injured Austin Riley and got up on the phone successfully. Although he has experience at second base as well, he has played down his role off the bench since Riley's return to the lineup and has sported a .077/.250/.077 slash line since the start of June. That could lead the Braves to look to smaller teams. The club turned to David Fletcher in a utility role earlier this year, but he is no longer on the 40-man roster and has begun trying to make the transition to hitting at the Double-A level, suggesting he is unlikely to be called up to replace Albies. One option right now on the 40 man would be an infielder Luke Williamsthough his career .220/.280/.287 slash line in the majors certainly leaves something to be desired.
Perhaps the most exciting move the Braves could make, other than a trade to improve the club's outfield mix, would be to promote quality players. Nacho Alvarez. Alvarez is ranked as the team's #5 prospect by MLB Pipeline and has lit up boards in the minor leagues this year. In 75 games split between the Double- and Triple-A levels this year, the 21-year-old slashed an eye-popping .295/.398/.420 while going 21-for-24 on the bases. Another potential problem in this plan could be Alvarez's lack of experience at second base, although the club could always plug him into shortstop and a veteran shifter. Orlando Arciawho played 50 games for the Braves in the keystone of 2022, moved to right field next to the first baseman. Matt Olson.
It's possible that Albies' prolonged absence could prompt the Braves to explore the infield market, especially if the club feels that Alvarez isn't ready for his big league career. Pieces like Amed Rosario of Radiation and Brandon Drury The Angels are among the veteran rentals available this summer, though the Rays have gone 6-3 in their last nine games to get themselves back into contention while Drury has suffered through a rough season at the plate this year. With clear needs in the first rotation and the exit, it is possible for the Atlanta brass to choose instead of relying on their internal selection in the main rock while Albies is injured, instead they work to add an outside position that can replace Acuna while pressuring Kelenic and Adam Duvallboth forced into everyday activities by injuries after starting the season as teammates.
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