Atlanta Braves second baseman Ozzie Albies is eyeing a return to the lineup before September 29, after being sidelined since July 21 with a fractured left wrist. The injury has prevented him from batting left-handed, a limitation that will continue upon his return to the field. Despite the setback, Albies' right-handed batting prowess could provide a significant boost to the Braves as they chase a postseason spot.
Albies has been a crucial player for Atlanta. With a career OPS of .947 from the right side compared to .738 from the left, his ability to contribute offensively has been missed. Prior to his injury, he was hitting .258/.310/.407 with eight home runs, 46 RBIs, and eight stolen bases across 90 games. His contributions were valued at approximately 1.3 Wins Above Replacement (WAR), underscoring his importance to the team's success.
The Braves, currently leading the National League wild-card race by half a game over the New York Mets, are eager to welcome Albies back. His return could provide the team with the spark they need as the regular season winds down. In Albies' absence, Whit Merrifield has filled in admirably, hitting .269/.374/.370 in 36 games since joining the team after being released by the Philadelphia Phillies.
Albies himself acknowledges the anticipation surrounding his return. "Everybody on the team is asking me when I'm going to be back," he said. "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." His measured approach highlights his commitment to returning fully prepared, ensuring he can contribute effectively without risking further injury.
Braves manager Brian Snitker has remained relatively tight-lipped about Albies' return. "We haven't talked about it yet," Snitker commented when asked about the second baseman's timeline. Despite the lack of detailed updates, it's clear that the team is closely monitoring Albies' progress.
Returning to the diamond with limitations on his batting stance is not ideal, but Albies' track record from the right side of the plate offers optimism. His discomfort when swinging from the left side has been a significant hurdle, yet his performance from the right is expected to mitigate this issue to some extent.
The Braves' playoff aspirations hinge on every game down the stretch, making Albies' potential return all the more critical. As they compete with the Mets for the wild-card spot, the margin for error is slim. Albies' presence in the lineup could be a game-changer, providing the Braves with not only his batting skills but also his defensive acumen and experience.
In conclusion, Ozzie Albies' impending return to the Braves' lineup is a storyline worth watching. His ability to perform under the constraints of his injury will be vital as Atlanta seeks to secure a postseason berth. The next few weeks will be crucial, and Albies' readiness could have a significant impact on the Braves' fortunes.