Braves get All-Star infusion for postseason push as injured star returns
The long-anticipated return of Atlanta Braves second baseman Ozzie Albies is here. Albies has been out for a couple of months after he suffered a broken wrist. Albies returned from his rehab assignment and Cavan Biggio was optioned to Triple-A Gwinett as a corresponding move.
The #Braves today returned INF Ozzie Albies from his rehabilitation assignment and reinstated him from the injured list, and optioned INF Cavan Biggio to Triple-A Gwinnett.
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) September 20, 2024
Atlanta did their best to find a temporary solution and even gave prospect Nacho Alvarez Jr. an opportunity. It didn't go as expected and the Braves had to find alternative options to fill the void. Whit Merrifield ended up being the answer to that question.
Merrifield has been an excellent replacement for Albies. His defense helped get the Braves out of some tight situations. He struggled during his time with the Phillies with a .199 batting average. However, once he joined the Braves things started to improve a bit. Through 41 games, he has a .248 average with 34 hits including five doubles, two triples, one homer, four RBI, 20 walks, and 33 strikeouts.
Getting Albies back is an offensive upgrade that the Braves need right now though. Merrifield will be relegated to a bench role most likely and play third base or left field. However, that will depend on how his fractured foot feels.
Ozzie rejoins the team as they begin a three-game series with the Miami Marlins on Friday night. It's the perfect team and venue for Albies to return. He has a career .293 average over 96 games against the Marlins with 17 homers and 68 RBI.
At loanDepot Park, Albies has a career .304 average over 43 games with eight home runs and 34 RBI. This is a great sign for the Braves who hope to carry their momentum from their 15-3 beatdown of the Reds on Thursday.
As reported last week, Ozzie will bat from the right side only. His left-handed swing has caused him a bit of discomfort. Things seem to be going well so far as his rehab assignment with Gwinnett was good. Albies played second base in two games and was 4-for-8 with one home run, three RBI, and one walk.
A THREE-RUN @SoFi SHOT FOR OZZIE ALBIES! pic.twitter.com/cty4Z1Xawh
— Gwinnett Stripers (@GoStripers) September 18, 2024
Adding him back to the lineup is a welcome sight for a Braves team that's in a fight for the postseason. They pretty much need to sweep the Marlins before heading home to play the biggest three-game series of the year against their rivals from New York.
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