This season isn’t over, despite the Braves’ seeming inability to capture another NL East championship. The team is still in the running for the postseason because they hold the last position in the NL Wild Card, but the Cubs and Mets are closing in.
There are still grounds for optimism regarding a possible postseason run. The Braves, especially the starting rotation, have a pitching staff that only happens once every few of decades, while not having the offensive firepower to make them favorites or anything.
And the Braves might still be able to get one or two All-Star bats. While Austin Riley is still on the disabled list, his return is far less likely than that of Ozzie Albies. Albies is anticipated back this month, although Riley might return at some point during the postseason.
The Braves’ great second baseman is aiming for a mid-to late-September comeback, according to Grant McAuley.
That was the original schedule, but a few weeks ago, Alex Anthopoulos gave fans a ray of optimism by saying that a return in early to mid-September was possible in the Braves booth.
Sadly, it appears that Ozzie Albies won’t have much time—if any—to acclimate to life again as the Braves get ready for what might be a series that changes the postseason versus the Mets in a few weeks.
Whit Merrifield has been excellent in his stead, but the Braves may start the terrific utility guy in the outfield until Albies gets back. That would make this lineup better. As the Braves approach the stretch run, hopefully it happens sooner than the current schedule.
Leave a Reply