In a critical development for the Atlanta Braves, second baseman Ozzie Albies is poised to make his highly anticipated return to the lineup before Sept. 29. Albies, who has been sidelined since July 21 due to a fractured left wrist, is expected to rejoin the team with a significant adjustment—he will be limited to batting right-handed.
The injury, which has kept Albies out of play for over two months, continues to cause discomfort when swinging from the left side. This adjustment could play into his strengths, as Albies boasts a career OPS of .947 from the right side, compared to a .738 OPS from the left. His performance before his injury, hitting .258/.310/.407 with eight home runs, 46 RBIs, and eight stolen bases in 90 games, had contributed an estimated 1.3 Wins Above Replacement to the team. His return, even under these constrained circumstances, could provide a significant boost as the Braves look to secure their playoff spot.
Despite Albies' absence, the Braves have managed to hold onto a narrow lead in the National League wild-card race, leading by half a game over the New York Mets. Whit Merrifield has filled in admirably during Albies' absence, maintaining a .269/.374/.370 slash line in 36 games since joining the Braves after his release from the Philadelphia Phillies.
Albies, keen on his return, shared insights into his mindset during this recovery period. "Everybody on the team is asking me when I'm going to be back. I want to make sure I can just check the boxes that need to be checked to be 100% ready to play, and that's it," he stated. This statement reflects his determination to ensure he is fully prepared to contribute upon his return, mitigating any risk of further injury.
The anticipation surrounding Albies' comeback remains palpable, both within the clubhouse and among Braves fans. Yet, manager Brian Snitker has remained reticent about pinpointing the exact timing of Albies' return. "We haven't talked about it yet," Snitker briefly remarked, suggesting a cautious approach to reintegrating their star second baseman.
As the regular season winds down, Albies' return could not be more timely. The Braves' quest for a postseason berth will undoubtedly benefit from Albies' experience and batting prowess. His right-handed hitting efficiency and fielding skills will be vital as the team navigates the final stretch of the season.
Albies' interaction with teammates, coupled with his commitment to being fully prepared, mirrors the underlying spirit of a team that has battled through injuries and roster changes. Merrifield’s contribution in covering for Albies has been crucial, but the latter’s familiarity and proven track record add a layer of confidence for the Braves. With Albies returning to his preferred right-handed batting exclusively, his performance could surprise opponents and fans alike, potentially offering the edge the Braves need.
The Braves face formidable opposition with the postseason hanging in balance. Albies' return marks a critical juncture, representing not just the return of a player, but the resurgence of the Braves' hopes and ambitions as they aim to convert their efforts into playoff success.