The Atlanta Braves are navigating a tumultuous season plagued with pivotal injuries, the latest being third baseman Austin Riley. Riley's broken hand will keep him sidelined for the next six to eight weeks, further straining a Braves lineup that has already lost key contributors like Spencer Strider, Ronald Acuña Jr., and Ozzie Albies.
Austin Riley's Absence
Riley's injury marks another significant blow for the Braves, as his presence on the field has been instrumental. The team now faces the urgent task of finding a capable replacement for their third baseman. Two potential solutions have emerged: Yuli Gurriel and Gio Urshela.
Gio Urshela Near Deal
According to reports, Gio Urshela is close to signing a major-league deal with the Braves after being released by the Detroit Tigers. Urshela brings a mixed bag to the table. Over 92 games this season, he posted a batting line of .243/.286/.333 with five home runs and 37 RBIs. While these numbers reflect a decline compared to his productive 2022 season, the Braves are hopeful that a change in environment might reignite his performance.
The Braves plan to provide Urshela with some reps at third base to assess his suitability. "According to Sherman, the team plans to give him some reps at third to see if he's a valid option," a source explained. This move could potentially fill the gap left by Riley, but it remains uncertain how quickly Urshela can adjust and contribute.
Yuli Gurriel in Triple-A
Yuli Gurriel, who has spent the entire year with Triple-A Gwinnett, presents another option. Gurriel's performance in the minors has been notable, hitting .300/.380/.498 over 72 games, with impressive stats including 12 home runs, 48 RBIs, 38 runs, and 11 steals. Despite these strong numbers, Gurriel has not played third base in the majors since 2021, nor started at the position since 2019. This lack of recent experience at third might pose a challenge for the Braves as they consider him for the role.
Season Challenges and Recent Performance
The Braves have shown resilience amidst these injuries, recently returning home after a successful west coast trip where they won five of their last seven games. Currently holding the last NL wild-card spot, the Braves have managed to stay competitive, leading the New York Mets by a game and a half while trailing the Philadelphia Phillies by seven games.
As they prepare to host the Phillies for a three-game series starting Tuesday, the Braves' lineup remains precariously thin. This upcoming series is critical, as securing wins against a division rival could bolster their wild-card standing and keep their postseason hopes alive.
The Road Ahead
The immediate focus for the Braves will be integrating either Urshela or Gurriel into the lineup effectively. While Urshela's major-league experience and recent play offer a quick fix, Gurriel's impressive Triple-A stats could provide a longer-term payoff if he can transition back to playing third base at the major league level. The Braves' ability to navigate these choices will be pivotal in the weeks to come.
Despite the adversity, the Braves remain a resilient team, and their ability to adapt to these challenges will ultimately determine their fate this season. The roster adjustments in the coming days will be critical as they aim to stabilize their lineup and push forward in their quest for postseason success.