The Atlanta Braves just finished up their series against the Cincinnati Reds and won the series. Thursday's 15-3 beatdown of the Reds helped the Braves keep momentum as they prepare to head to Miami for the final road series of the regular season. After that series, the Braves will play their biggest series of the year at home against the Mets.
Ozzie Albies is expected to join the team on Friday and that would be a huge addition to the offense. However, it leaves the Braves with a decision to make about Whit Merrifield and his role moving forward.
Braves News: Ozzie Albies' impending return leaves question mark for Whit Merrifield
Whit Merrifield has filled in well at second base in the absence of Ozzie Albies. Merrifield suffered a fracture in his foot, however, that didn't stop him from playing. Now that Albies is nearing his return, Merrifield may see a decrease in playing time.
But that depends on what Atlanta decides to do. It was originally thought they would use him in left field or third base. Merrifield told Braves reporters on Wednesday that his fractured foot would bother him if he played in the outfield. So that leaves third base as the only option left.
Merrifield said his fractured foot would bother him in the outfield. So, you're more likely to see him at third base once Albies returns on Friday. Merrifield provides more offensively than Urshela.
— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) September 18, 2024
Gio Urshela has done a great job defensively at third base but his offense hasn't been much to write home about. Merrifield has been much better on offense since coming to Atlanta. He'd provide more offense and it would make sense for the Braves to consider that.
We will have to wait and see what the Braves decide to do when lineups are announced on Friday.
Ozzie Albies rehab assignment has gone well so far with Triple-A Gwinnett
Ozzie Albies began his rehab assignment with Triple-A Gwinnett on Tuesday and played second base in two games. Over those two games, he was 4-for-8 with one home run, three RBI, and one walk.
He's been hitting the ball hard and only batting from the right side. His left-handed swing has been giving him a bit of discomfort. However, it's good to see that he's not had any issues swinging the bat. Braves insider Justin Toscano reported that Albies will in fact join the team in Miami on Friday.
Ozzie Albies will return to the Braves for tomorrow’s opener in Miami
— Justin Toscano (@JustinCToscano) September 19, 2024
It will be great to have one of Atlanta's top starters back in the lineup. Hopefully, he's the boost the Braves need him to be.
Marcell Ozuna reaches 100 RBI for second consecutive season
Marcell Ozuna has been the most consistent offensive force for the Braves this season. Ozuna had a great night against the Reds on Wednesday. He launched his 38th homer of the season which ended a 26-game homer drought for the Big Bear.
Ozuna's double in the 8th inning gave him his 100th RBI of the season. This gave him his second consecutive 100 RBI season and made him the 13th Brave to accomplish this.
With his 2 RBI tonight, Marcell Ozuna is the 13th player in Braves history with consecutive 100 RBI seasons:
— Braves Historian (@BravesHistorian) September 19, 2024
Hugh Duffy
Tommy McCarthy
Jimmy Collins
Wally Berger
Bob Elliott
Sid Gordon
Eddie Mathews
Hank Aaron
Dale Murphy
Chipper Jones
Andruw Jones
Jeff Francoeur
Matt Olson pic.twitter.com/Dq30Mj17Nf
Marcell is batting .306 with 31 doubles, 38 home runs, 101 RBI, and a .940 OPS. It's been a pleasure to watch him have success again in 2024. The team will have the opportunity to exercise his club option at the end of the season if they think he's a good fit for 2025. He's certainly given them every reason to bring him back.