In the heart of the National League wild-card race, the Atlanta Braves are eagerly anticipating the return of their star second baseman, Ozzie Albies. Sidelined since July 21 due to a fractured left wrist, Albies' potential return before September 29 could provide a significant boost to the Braves as they battle for playoff positioning.
Albies' injury has been a significant blow to the Braves. His absence has stretched over two months, during which he has worked tirelessly to recover and return to the lineup. Despite his eagerness, Albies will return with a limited capacity, batting exclusively right-handed to avoid aggravating his left wrist injury.
"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," Albies shared. His cautious approach underscores the importance of ensuring he is fully ready to contribute without risking further injury.
The decision for Albies to bat only right-handed isn't without merit, given his impressive career statistics. Albies boasts a career OPS of .947 from the right side, compared to .738 from the left. This strategic adjustment aims to maximize his offensive output while mitigating the risk to his wrist.
Before his injury, Albies was hitting .258/.310/.407 with eight home runs, 46 RBIs, and eight stolen bases in 90 games. Despite these solid numbers, Albies' left wrist still causes discomfort when swinging from the left side, prompting the decision to limit his at-bats to the right side.
In Albies' absence, Whit Merrifield has stepped in admirably. Merrifield, joining the Braves after being released by the Philadelphia Phillies, has produced a commendable .269/.374/.370 batting line in 36 games. His performance has been a bright spot, helping the Braves maintain their position in a tightly contested wild-card race where they lead the New York Mets by a mere half-game.
While Merrifield's contributions have been invaluable, the return of Albies is highly anticipated. His value to the team extends beyond statistics, as his presence and versatility provide the Braves with a critical edge. Albies has contributed an estimated 1.3 Wins Above Replacement, reflecting his all-around impact on the game.
Despite the anticipation, Braves' manager Brian Snitker has remained relatively tight-lipped about Albies' return. "We haven't talked about it yet," he remarked, leaving some uncertainty around the exact timing of Albies' return. However, the hope is that Albies can make a significant impact as the playoffs approach.
As the Braves navigate these crucial final weeks of the season, Albies' return could galvanize the team. His ability to deliver from the right side of the plate injects a much-needed offensive spark. With every game carrying significant weight, Albies' return might just be the catalyst the Braves need to solidify their playoff spot and make a deep postseason run.
For now, the focus remains on ensuring Albies is 100% ready to rejoin the lineup and contribute at his full potential. His journey back from injury highlights his resilience and dedication, qualities that will undoubtedly serve him and the Braves well as they aim to make their mark in October.