The Atlanta Braves find themselves navigating treacherous waters this season, with injuries becoming an all-too-familiar narrative. The recent blow comes as Austin Riley, the team's standout third baseman, has been sidelined with a broken hand. Riley is expected to miss six to eight weeks, compounding the Braves' struggles as they fight to maintain their playoff ambitions.
Riley's injury is the latest in a series of unfortunate setbacks for Atlanta. The team has already lost key players like Spencer Strider, Ronald Acuña Jr., and Ozzie Albies to various ailments. This string of injuries has created a perilous situation for the Braves, who are currently clinging to the last NL wild-card spot by a thread.
Looking for Replacements
With Riley out, the Braves are urgently seeking a workable replacement at third base. Two potential solutions have emerged: veteran infielder Yuli Gurriel and recently released Gio Urshela.
Gio Urshela, who was let go by the Detroit Tigers, is reportedly on the brink of signing a major-league deal with Atlanta. In his 92 games this season, Urshela has struggled at the plate, managing a .243/.286/.333 slash line with five home runs and 37 RBIs. Compared to his productive 2022 season, Urshela’s recent performance has notably declined.
On the other hand, Yuli Gurriel has been playing in Triple-A Gwinnett for the year, posting more promising stats: a .300/.380/.498 slash line over 72 games, which includes 12 home runs, 48 RBIs, 38 runs, and 11 steals. Nevertheless, a significant concern arises as Gurriel hasn't played third base in the majors since 2021 and hasn't started there since 2019. This lack of recent experience at the hot corner could weigh heavily on the Braves' decision-making process.
The Team's Performance
Despite these adversities, the Braves have managed to stay competitive. Fresh off a successful west coast trip where they won five of their last seven games, Atlanta remains optimistic yet cautious. They currently lead the New York Mets by one and a half games for the final wild-card slot but trail the Philadelphia Phillies by a substantial seven games.
The upcoming three-game series against the Phillies, starting Tuesday, will be crucial for the Braves. A strong showing against their division rivals could significantly bolster their standings and morale.
Quotes from the Inside
As the team contemplates its next steps, sources have indicated a trial approach for Urshela at third base. "According to Sherman, the team plans to give him some reps at third to see if he's a valid option," a source explained. This period of evaluation will be pivotal in determining whether Urshela can step up and fill the void left by Riley.
For the Braves, the situation remains complex and fluid. Balancing the immediate need for a competent third baseman with the longer-term goal of remaining competitive in the playoff race is no small challenge. Fan and team morale teeters on the edge as each game now carries significant weight.
Adding to the pressure is the thinness of the current roster. Injuries have stretched the Braves' lineup to its limits, and any further attrition could jeopardize their playoff hopes altogether. Manager Brian Snitker and his coaching staff have their work cut out for them as they seek to navigate these choppy waters.
As the season progresses, the resilience and adaptability of the Braves will be continually tested. While Riley's absence is a significant blow, the combination of veterans and emerging talent must rise to the occasion. Only time will tell if the Braves can weather this storm and make a meaningful push in the postseason.