After an extended hiatus, Atlanta Braves second baseman Ozzie Albies is set to make his return to the lineup before September 29. Albies has been sidelined since July 21 due to a fractured left wrist, an injury that has confined him to batting right-handed upon his return.
Albies has been a pivotal part of the Braves' lineup, boasting a career OPS of .947 from the right side. Although his left-handed batting stands at a career OPS of .738, the discomfort in his left wrist makes it prudent to restrict his swings to the right side, ensuring he doesn't aggravate the injury further.
Before being deactivated, Albies was hitting .258/.310/.407 with eight home runs, 46 RBIs, and eight stolen bases in 90 games. His overall contributions had yielded approximately 1.3 Wins Above Replacement (WAR), making his presence on the field all the more critical for the Braves as they fight to maintain their lead in the National League wild-card race. Currently, they hold a precarious half-game lead over the New York Mets.
This period of Albies' absence has seen Whit Merrifield stepping in to cover second base. Merrifield has performed commendably, hitting .269/.374/.370 in 36 games with Atlanta since his release from the Philadelphia Phillies. Despite Merrifield’s steady performance, the Braves eagerly anticipate Albies' return, given his proven track record and an impressive batting statistic from the right side.
Albies remains cautious yet optimistic about his comeback, emphasizing the need to be fully prepared. "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," he remarked. His focus on health and readiness suggests a player committed not just to a swift return, but a sustainable one, aiming to contribute significantly as the team heads into the postseason.
Meanwhile, Braves manager Brian Snitker has remained reticent about detailing Albies’ return. "We haven't talked about it yet," he said succinctly. His silence may indicate strategic discretion, ensuring Albies transitions back to the lineup with minimal pressure and maximum impact.
As Albies prepares for his anticipated return, the Braves' fanbase and team members alike are rallying behind him, eager to see their second baseman back in action. The remainder of the Braves' season hangs in the balance, with Albies' recovery and performance potentially playing a decisive role in their playoff aspirations.