Atlanta Braves injuries mount as trade deadline approaches

Juggling three lemons is easy compared to the juggling Atlanta Braves GM Alex Anthopoulos has ahead of him in the next 96 hours. (Photo by Ilya S. Savenok/Getty Images for Storey/North Six Group)
Juggling three lemons is easy compared to the juggling Atlanta Braves GM Alex Anthopoulos has ahead of him in the next 96 hours. (Photo by Ilya S. Savenok/Getty Images for Storey/North Six Group)
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Atlanta Braves
PHILADELPHIA, PA – JULY 26: Nick Markakis #22 of the Atlanta Braves is looked at after getting hit in the hand by a pitch during the sixth inning of a game against the Philadelphia Phillies on July 26, 2019. The Braves won 9-2. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)

When a baseball collided with the wrist of Atlanta Braves right-fielder Markakis, it ignited four-run inning when nine batters came to the plate. It also created an additional trade deadline problem for GM Alex Anthopoulos.

As Daniel wrote earlier, most immediately knew Markakis’ injury could end his season.  Not having Markakis available created a situation Atlanta Braves Manager Brian Snitker had never faced.

In every game last season and all but six of the 34 different lineups used this season, he penciled-in Nick Markakis hitting either fourth or fifth. He can’t do that today or for the foreseeable future.

With just over eight weeks left in the season, this ends Markakis’s 2019 campaign.

After Friday’s game, Markakis had a .284/.358/.429/.787 line, hit nine home runs, 22 doubles, and two triples.

Statcast says he hit in some bad luck, but according to Fangraphs, his .336 wOBA and 105 wRC+sits just above the league average of .318 wOBA and 94 wRC+.

His 2018 Gold Glove aside, Markakis ties Nicholas Castellanos and Nomar Mazara at – 6 DRS, ranked #17 of 23 right fielders with 400 innings. UZR places him #22 ahead of only Charlie Blackmon

Matt Joyce, Austin Riley, and Charlie Culberson are Snitker’s existing outfield options. None are an everyday choice for the skipper; Joyce and Culberson perform best off the bench, and Riley’s struggling badly at the plate.

Freddie Freeman’s words highlight Markakis’ leadership as the potentially biggest loss to the team:

Markakis’ statement exemplified the quality Freeman highlighted:

While the Braves can’t replace his gravitas, they must find someone who provides solid defense and hopefully, better production.

The Braves will evaluate Duvall over the next two days while searching for options to backfill the roster.

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