No team has been hit harder by injuries than the Atlanta Braves. Key players like Spencer Strider and Ronald Acuña Jr. have missed most of the season and won’t return until 2025. Austin Riley is out for the rest of the regular season, with his postseason availability uncertain. Ozzie Albies, Michael Harris II, Sean Murphy, Max Fried, and Reynaldo López have also spent significant time on the injured list.
Thankfully for Atlanta, most of these players have now returned, and another key piece is set to rejoin the team. Star second baseman Ozzie Albies, who has been out since late July, is officially set to return for this weekend’s series against the Miami Marlins, per Justin Toscano of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Ozzie Albies will return to the Braves for tomorrow’s opener in Miami
— Justin Toscano (@JustinCToscano) September 19, 2024
Albies’ return, in whatever form, is a major victory for the Braves. However, the question is: is it too little, too late?
Braves receive major reinforcement in time for stretch run, but already face uphill battle
Getting Ozzie Albies back, even if he’s only hitting from the right side, is a critical boost for the Braves. Albies has consistently been an elite hitter from the right side of the plate, and even in a limited role, he’s a clear upgrade over Whit Merrifield or Gio Urshela, who had been filling in during his absence.
However, the timing of Albies’ return could be better. With their win on Thursday, Atlanta now trails the New York Mets and Arizona Diamondbacks by 1.5 games, with both teams set to play later that day. Depending on those results, the Braves could either be 1.0 game out or 2.0 games back entering the Marlins series. Atlanta has nine games left in their season.
Ultimately, the Braves’ playoff hopes could hinge on their upcoming three-game series against the Mets. Albies’ presence for that series is crucial for several reasons. First, he boasts a .775 OPS at Truist Park this season, significantly better than his .665 mark on the road. Second, he’s driven in six runs over six games against the Mets this season. Third, Albies has hit 20 home runs against the Mets in his career, more than any other opponent.
In short, Albies hits better at home, has performed well against the Mets this year, and has a track record of power against them. His return couldn’t come at a better time with that series looming large.
Given Atlanta’s resilience this season, it would be premature to count them out before they’re mathematically eliminated. Even if Albies isn’t fully 100 percent, his return gives the Braves a fighting chance to make a postseason push.
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