As the Atlanta Braves continue their march towards the National League wild-card, the return of their star second baseman Ozzie Albies looms large. Albies, who has been sidelined since July 21 with a fractured left wrist, is targeting a return to the lineup before September 29. His comeback could be a pivotal moment for the Braves, who are currently in a tight race, leading the National League wild-card by just half a game over the New York Mets.
Albies’ injury has been a significant blow to the Braves. The switch-hitting infielder has been a crucial part of the team's lineup, and his absence has left a notable void. Compounding matters, Albies' left wrist continues to cause discomfort when swinging from the left side, necessitating that he bat exclusively right-handed upon his return.
Despite this limitation, Albies' right-handed batting prowess is undeniable. His career OPS (on-base plus slugging) from the right side stands at an impressive .947, compared to a .738 from the left. This disparity showcases his strength and potential impact even with the restriction.
Albies' Season Before Injury
Before being deactivated, Albies was a key contributor to the Braves' offensive and defensive efforts. In 90 games, he was hitting .258/.310/.407 with eight home runs, 46 RBIs, and eight stolen bases. These contributions equated to an estimated 1.3 Wins Above Replacement, underlining his importance to the team.
The timing of Albies' injury was unfortunate, as the Braves were and remain in the midst of a playoff push. His return would not only boost morale but provide a significant upgrade both offensively and defensively. Manager Brian Snitker, however, has remained tight-lipped about specific plans for Albies’ return, stating, "We haven't talked about it yet."
Whit Merrifield Steps Up
In Albies’ absence, Whit Merrifield has stepped in admirably. Acquired after being released by the Philadelphia Phillies, Merrifield has hit .269/.374/.370 in 36 games with Atlanta. While Merrifield's performance has been solid, the team eagerly anticipates the dynamic that Albies' presence brings to the lineup.
Albies himself is cautious yet eager about 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.”
The Road Ahead
As the Braves gear up for the crucial final stretch of the season, the potential return of Ozzie Albies serves as a beacon of hope. His ability to exclusively bat right-handed might be seen as a compromise, but his offensive stats from that side of the plate assure that he remains a formidable force. The team and fans alike will be watching closely for updates on his recovery and any hints from Snitker about his exact role upon rejoining the lineup.
With the Braves barely edging out the Mets in the wild-card race, every game holds immense significance. The additional firepower that Albies could bring might just provide the edge needed to secure their playoff berth. The anticipation builds as the calendar inches closer to Albies' targeted return, marking a potentially game-changing moment for both the player and the Braves' postseason aspirations.