For the final stretch of the postseason, the Braves hope to have their starting second baseman back in the lineup.
The Atlanta Braves remain optimistic about making the playoffs this season, despite being hit hard by injuries. They are relying on their pitching rotation to drive a postseason push and could soon welcome back starting second baseman Ozzie Albies.
Albies is scheduled to do some fielding on Tuesday, according to The Athletic’s David O’Brien on X. Although he hasn’t been cleared for batting practice, he has taken some swings in the cages. Currently in the sixth week of his projected six-to-eight-week recovery, Albies will need a rehab assignment before rejoining the Braves, per O’Brien.
Since July 21, when he fractured his left wrist in a collision with Michael Siani against the St. Louis Cardinals, Albies has been sidelined. This marks the three-time All-Star’s second stint on the injured list this season; he was also on the 10-day IL in April with a broken toe but returned after the minimum stint.
The eight-year veteran has a .717 OPS, an OPS+ of 97, and 1.3 bWAR in 90 games this season. He is coming off a strong 2023, with 30 doubles, 33 home runs, 109 RBI, 96 runs scored, and a .849 OPS, and he finished 16th in MVP voting last season.
Ozzie Albies could return from injury and impact the Braves’ playoff chances
The Braves are aiming for a seventh consecutive postseason appearance, and they have done a good job of overcoming several terrible injuries. Due to a torn left ACL in late May, Atlanta lost its reigning MVP, Ronald Acuna Jr., for the whole season. It was Acuna Jr.’s second season ending due to an ACL tear. The four-time All-Star’s 2021 season was cut short when he tore his right ACL.
Acuña Jr. was a standout performer for the Braves last season, hitting .337 with 41 home runs and 106 RBI. He led the majors in runs scored (149), hits (217), stolen bases (73), on-base percentage (.416), and total bases (383).
The Braves also faced a setback with All-Star pitcher Spencer Strider, who was sidelined for the season due to a UCL injury that required surgery. Strider, who made only two starts for Atlanta before the injury in early April, had a dominant 2023 season, leading MLB in wins (20), strikeouts per nine innings (13.5), and total strikeouts (281), and finishing with the best FIP (2.85) in the National League over 32 starts.
As of Tuesday, the Braves are seven games behind the first-place Philadelphia Phillies in the NL East and hold the third NL Wild Card spot, with a half-game lead over the New York Mets. Despite a .500 record (21-21) since the All-Star break, the Braves remain hopeful that their pitching staff can lead them to the postseason, and the potential return of players like Albies could enhance their chances.
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