The wait for the Atlanta Braves and their fans might be nearing an end as second baseman Ozzie Albies plans his return to the lineup before September 29. However, this comeback comes with a caveat; Albies will be limited to batting right-handed due to a fractured left wrist.
Albies, who has been sidelined since July 21, has not played at the big-league level in over two months. His wrist continues to cause discomfort when swinging from the left side, but his right-handed statistics are promising enough to warrant optimism. With a career OPS of .947 as a right-handed batter compared to .738 from the left, his right-handed performance is notably stronger.
"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," Albies said, reflecting the collective anticipation and his cautious approach.
Before being deactivated, Albies was hitting .258/.310/.407 with eight home runs, 46 RBIs, and eight stolen bases in 90 games. His absence, quantified at an estimated 1.3 Wins Above Replacement, has been felt by a Braves team in the thick of the National League wild-card race, where they currently lead by half a game over the New York Mets.
Stepping Up in Albies' Absence
In Albies' absence, Whit Merrifield has stepped in admirably, putting up a .269/.374/.370 slash line in 36 games with Atlanta. Merrifield joined the Braves after being released by the Philadelphia Phillies and has been a reliable presence for the team during a critical phase of the season.
The Braves' management has been relatively tight-lipped about Albies' return, with manager Brian Snitker commenting, "We haven't talked about it yet." This lack of extensive commentary has only heightened speculation and anticipation among fans and analysts alike.
The Road to Recovery
Albies' journey back to the diamond has been one filled with rigorous checks and careful monitoring. His ability to swing from the right side without aggravating his wrist injury has been a key factor in the decision-making process. Given his superior performance as a right-handed batter, there is a tangible sense of relief that he can still contribute effectively in this capacity.
The Braves are undoubtedly hoping that Albies' return, even in a limited form, can provide the team with a critical boost as they aim to solidify their position in the postseason. As they navigate the final stretches of the regular season, the potential addition of Albies to the lineup could be a pivotal moment.
For Albies, the focus remains on ensuring he can play without compromise. "I want to make sure I can just check the boxes that need to be checked to be 100% ready to play," he reiterated.
With the stakes high and the margin for error thin, the Braves and their fans will be watching closely, eagerly awaiting the moment Ozzie Albies steps back onto the field.