Despite the fact that they have been hampered by injuries, the Atlanta Braves remain hopeful that they will be able to make it to the postseason this season. With the expectation that the Braves’ pitching can propel the team to a postseason run, the Braves are counting heavily on their rotation. Additionally, it is possible that Atlanta will have Ozzie Albies, the starting second baseman, back in the lineup in the coming weeks.
On Tuesday, Albies is scheduled to participate in some fielding activities, as reported by David O’Brien of The Athletic on X. Albies has been practicing his swings in the cages, but he has not yet been given permission to participate in batting practice. It is currently the sixth week of his projected vacation of six to eight weeks. O’Brien reports that Albies will be required to participate in a rehabilitation assignment prior to rejoining the Braves, despite the fact that the timing for his return is still in play.
The left wrist of Albies was broken on July 21 after he was involved in a collision with Michael Siani during a game against the St. Louis Cardinals. Since then, Albies has been out with an injury. During the current season, the three-time All-Star has been placed on the injured list for the second time. In April, Albies was placed on the interim list for ten days due to a broken toe. In such situation, he was permitted to miss the minimum and return when first eligible.
The eight-year veteran has a .717 OPS, an OPS+ of 97 and 1.3 bWAR in 90 games with the Braves this season. Albies is coming off a fantastic 2023 when he had 30 doubles, 33 home runs, 109 RBI, 96 runs scored and a .849 OPS. The 27-year-old switch hitter finished 16th in MVP voting last season.
Ozzie Albies might return from injury and damage the Braves’ playoff chances
Jul 20, 2024; Cumberland, GA, USA; Atlanta Braves second baseman Ozzie Albies (1) hits a game winning sacrifice fly ball against the St. Louis Cardinals during the tenth inning at Truist Park.
Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
The Braves have done well to shake off a number of severe injuries as they press toward reaching the playoffs for the eighth straight season. Atlanta lost reigning MVP Ronald Acuna Jr. for the season to a ruptured left ACL in late May. It was the second time an ACL tear delayed Acuna Jr.’s season. His 2021 campaign was cut short when the four-time All-Star tore his right ACL.
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