After more than two months on the sidelines, Atlanta Braves second baseman Ozzie Albies is eyeing a return to the lineup before September 29. Albies, who has been out since July 21 due to a fractured left wrist, will be limited to batting right-handed upon his return.
Albies' injury has been a significant blow to the Braves, given his contributions to the team. Before being deactivated, Albies was hitting .258/.310/.407 with eight home runs, 46 RBIs, and eight stolen bases in 90 games. His performance valued him at an estimated 1.3 Wins Above Replacement (WAR), a testament to his importance on the field.
Recovery and Limitations
Albies' left wrist continues to cause discomfort when swinging from the left side, forcing him to stick to his stronger right-handed swing. His career statistics highlight the disparity between his performance from both sides of the plate. Albies boasts a career OPS of .947 from the right side, compared to .738 from the left.
The decision to limit him to right-handed batting comes as a precaution to ensure he doesn't aggravate his wrist further. As Albies mentioned, “Everybody on the team is asking me when I'm going to be back. I want to make sure I can just check the boxes that need to be checked to be 100% ready to play, and that's it.”
Impact on the Braves' Season
The Braves are in a tight race for the National League wild-card, currently leading by half a game over the New York Mets. Albies' return could provide a crucial boost as the team heads toward the postseason. His absence has been felt, but Whit Merrifield has stepped in admirably during Albies' recovery. Merrifield, who joined the Braves after being released by the Philadelphia Phillies, has hit .269/.374/.370 in 36 games with Atlanta.
Merrifield's solid performance has helped the Braves stay competitive, but having Albies back in the lineup could be a game-changer. Despite the uncertainty surrounding his exact return date, Albies' presence in the lineup will be a much-needed reinforcement for the Braves.
Manager's Silence
Braves' manager Brian Snitker has remained relatively silent about Albies' return. When asked about it, Snitker simply stated, “We haven't talked about it yet.” This reticence may be a strategy to keep the focus on the team's current performance rather than on the speculation surrounding Albies' comeback.
As Albies prepares to make his return, the Braves and their fans remain hopeful that he can contribute to the final push for the playoffs. His right-handed prowess and ability to perform under pressure will be key assets for Atlanta.
The road to recovery has been a challenging one for Albies, but his determination to return to the field is evident. His next appearance, albeit limited to one side of the plate, promises to bring renewed energy and capability to the Braves as they strive for postseason success.
In the high-stakes world of Major League Baseball, every decision, injury, and return can significantly impact a team's fortunes. Ozzie Albies' forthcoming return is a reminder of the delicate balance teams must maintain as they navigate the season's challenges and opportunities.