The Atlanta Braves continue to navigate through a challenging season marked by significant injuries to key players. The latest blow comes with Austin Riley suffering a broken hand, sidelining him for an expected six to eight weeks. This injury adds Riley to the growing list of pivotal Braves who have been out of action this season, including Spencer Strider, Ronald Acuña Jr., and Ozzie Albies.
Searching for Solutions
With Riley's absence, the Braves are actively searching for a viable third baseman. The team is considering veteran options such as Yuli Gurriel and Gio Urshela to fill the critical gap. Reports indicate that Urshela is close to signing a major-league deal with the Braves after being recently released by the Detroit Tigers.
In the 92 games he played this season, Urshela posted a batting line of .243/.286/.333, tallying five home runs and 37 RBIs. Although this marks a dip from his more productive campaign in 2022, his experience and defensive capabilities make him a potential short-term solution for the Braves. As a source explained, "According to Sherman, the team plans to give him some reps at third to see if he's a valid option."
Considering Gurriel
Alternatively, Yuli Gurriel presents another option for the Braves. Though he has spent the entire year with Triple-A Gwinnett, his performance there has been impressive. In 72 games, Gurriel hit .300/.380/.498 with 12 home runs, 48 RBIs, 38 runs, and 11 steals. However, there remains a concern regarding his readiness to return to third base at the major-league level, a position he hasn't played since 2021 and hasn't started at since 2019.
Recent Performance and Playoff Picture
Despite these setbacks, the Braves recently concluded a successful west coast trip, winning five of their last seven games. This performance has helped them secure the last National League wild-card spot. Currently, the Braves lead the New York Mets by a game and a half and trail the Philadelphia Phillies by seven games. The upcoming three-game series against the Phillies, starting Tuesday in Atlanta, holds significant playoff implications.
Yet, the Braves' lineup remains thin, and the pressure to find a competent replacement for Riley is mounting. With limited internal options, exploring veteran signings like Urshela and Gurriel becomes not just a necessity but a potential lifeline for maintaining their playoff ambitions.
Anticipating the Series
The Braves' management and fans alike will closely watch how the team navigates the next few weeks without Riley and how effective any new additions will be in bolstering the lineup. The upcoming series against the Phillies will be a crucial test, not only for the team's resilience but also for the potential new third baseman who may step into Riley's shoes.
As the Braves return home, they carry the momentum from their successful road trip, but the lingering injuries loom large over their playoff hopes. The next steps in their journey will be critical in determining whether they can overcome these challenges and make a strong push for the postseason.