As the Atlanta Braves navigate through a season rife with adversity, the team's resilience will be tested once again following the latest setback involving a crucial player. The Braves have seen key contributors sidelined by injuries, and Austin Riley is the latest name added to a growing list.
Riley's Absence Looms Large
Atlanta slugger Austin Riley's broken hand is more than a personal setback; it's a blow to the Braves' hopes of maintaining their grasp on the last NL wild-card spot. Riley is projected to miss six to eight weeks, a time frame that could significantly impact the team's performance as they prepare for pivotal games.
Riley's injury, unfortunately, aligns with the team's season-long trend of losing key players to major injuries. This season has already seen talents like Spencer Strider, Ronald Acuña Jr., and Ozzie Albies sidelined for various durations. Each absence has tested the team's depth and resilience.
Potential Replacements: Urshela and Gurriel
With Riley incapacitated, the Braves are urgently searching for a reliable third baseman. Among the potential solutions being considered are Yuli Gurriel and Gio Urshela.
Gio Urshela appears to be on the brink of finalizing a major-league deal with the Braves. Urshela, who was recently released by the Detroit Tigers, has had a moderate season at the plate, batting .243/.286/.333 over 92 games, with five home runs and 37 RBIs. His production has waned compared to a more productive 2022 season. Still, the Braves hope that he can provide a solid presence at third base. "According to Sherman, the team plans to give him some reps at third to see if he's a valid option," a source explained.
Meanwhile, Yuli Gurriel has been performing well at Triple-A Gwinnett. Over 72 games, he has shown notable offensive output, hitting .300/.380/.498 with 12 home runs, 48 RBIs, 38 runs, and 11 steals. However, Gurriel has not played third base in the majors since 2021 and hasn't started there since 2019, making his positional adjustment a potential challenge.
Fighting for Playoff Position
The Braves' current standings reflect an uphill battle. They have returned home after a strong west coast trip, securing five wins out of seven games. Holding the final NL wild-card spot, the Braves are narrowly ahead of the New York Mets by a game and a half and trail the Philadelphia Phillies by seven games. This makes the upcoming three-game series against the Phillies critical for Atlanta's playoff aspirations.
As they prepare to face the Phillies starting Tuesday, the Braves' lineup remains precariously thin, highlighting the urgency of finding a reliable replacement for Riley. The decisions made in the coming days could have lasting ramifications on their season and their quest to secure a postseason berth.
The Atlanta Braves will need to draw on their depth and resilience more than ever as they endure yet another blow in a season fraught with challenges. The decisions regarding Urshela and Gurriel will play pivotal roles in how the remainder of the season unfolds for the beleaguered team.