The second half of the 2024 season has not been kind to the Atlanta Braves. Things started with a postponed game on Friday night which led to a doubleheader on Saturday. Atlanta split the doubleheader with the Cardinals despite slugging four home runs in game two.
However, the Braves were dealt a brutal blow on Sunday morning. Fans learned that All-Star Max Fried was placed on the 15-day IL (backdated to July 18) with left forearm neuritis. He felt some discomfort when warming up for the All-Star Game that didn't go away after resting his arm.
That wasn't the news fans wanted to wake up to but to make matters worse, the Cardinals slugged their way to a 6-2 win over Spencer Schwellenbach and the Braves. Not only did Atlanta lose the game but they also may have lost their second baseman to an apparent wrist injury.
Ozzie Albies exits today's game against the Cardinals in the ninth inning following this play at second base ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/kANpteaAlz
— Bally Sports: Braves (@BravesOnBally) July 21, 2024
Ozzie Albies attempted to make a tag on a stolen base and when he did so, his wrist bent backward. Albies immediately indicated he was in pain and walked to the Atlanta dugout. After the game, we got a brief update from Brian Snitker who stated "It's not good" and that Albies will be placed on the injured list.
This isn't the news Atlanta needed as they try and get things going in the second half. However, it's the hand they've been dealt. Braves insider David O'Brien suggested that the team could call up top prospect Nacho Alvarez Jr. to play shortstop and move Orlando Arcia to second base.
The sentiment that Alvarez Jr. could be on his way to Atlanta is a safe bet. However, there's no reason for the team to move Arcia to second base since he is a great defensive shortstop. Alvarez doesn't have as much range at short but could easily slot into second base.
Alvarez Jr. has played well for the Stripers but spent time with Double-A Mississippi as well this season. He has a .293 overall average in 2024 but with Gwinnett, he has batted .336/.432/.575 with seven home runs, 24 RBI, 17 walks, 20 strikeouts, and a 1.007 OPS.
He would be a welcome addition to a struggling offense. However, the team does have Zack Short and could turn to him to cover games at second. Atlanta will need to add an extra bat to the bench so the move for Nacho would be a wise decision.
Regardless of what the team decides, it's a shame the second half has been more of the same for the Braves. The offense hasn't maintained consistency, but the power has been on display the last couple of days.
Spencer Schwellenbach gave up four solo homers on seven hits through six innings of work. He didn't walk a single batter and struck out eight Cardinals hitters. St. Louis homered the Braves to death as all six runs were solo home runs. Jesse Chavez also gave up two solo shots during his appearance.
The Braves must find a way to weather the storm of two more injuries to significant parts of their 2024 roster. They've found a way to maintain the lead for the NL Wild Card so all hope isn't lost.
*Albies injury update*
Since this post was originally written, the Braves have announced that Albies had X-rays that revealed a left wrist fracture and he is expected to miss about eight weeks.
Ozzie Albies today underwent X-rays that revealed a left wrist fracture. He is expected to miss approximately eight weeks.
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) July 21, 2024