Atlanta Braves SS Orlando Arcia left Wednesday night's game after being hit by a 98 MPH fastball on the wrist. While the 28 year-old initially stayed in the game, he was eventually pinch-hit for by Ehire Adrianza in the bottom of the 3rd.
SS Orlando Arcia was removed from tonight’s game with a wrist injury and is currently being evaluated.
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) April 13, 2023
The Braves later announced on twitter that the x-rays on Arcia's wrist came back negative for a fracture.
X-rays on Arcia’s wrist were negative for a fracture.
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) April 13, 2023
What Orlando Arcia's injury could mean for the Braves
After coming to Spring Training competing for the starting SS role, many were shocked when it was announced that he had won the position out of camp.
But, 13 games into the 2023 season, Arcia has not disappointed. Coming into Wednesday's game, the eight-year veteran has slashed .333/.388/.511, good for a 137 wRC+ and 0.4 fWAR. His most exciting AB came during Atlanta's home opener against the Padres, when he walked it off.
Thankfully, x-rays came back negative for a fracture, but if Arcia's wrist injury for some reason requires a trip to the IL, Vaughn Grissom will likely get the call. After surprisingly being optioned after a Spring Training where he hit .371/.417/.488 in 37 PAs, the 22-year-old has continued his hot streak in Gwinnett.
In 43 PAs, he has slashed .351/.442/.595, which is 64% than the AAA-league-average (164 wRC+). He's hit one homer and stolen two bases. He's also walked at an 11.6% clip.
If the Braves don't go with Grissom, Braden Shewmake is also on the 40-man, but his hot streak in Spring Training has not translated to the Gwinnett Stripers' season, where he's slashed .206/.206/.353.
If Arcia needs to miss any games without going on the IL, Ehire Adrianza will likely take his spot in the field, as he's the only infielder on the bench. Ozzie Albies, however, played SS in the minors and played one game at SS during the 2019 Spring Training.