Atlanta Braves second baseman Ozzie Albies is eyeing a return to the lineup before September 29, and this comes as a much-needed boost for a Braves team in the thick of a National League wild-card race. As it stands, Atlanta holds a slim half-game lead over the New York Mets for that coveted playoff spot.
Albies has faced an uphill battle back to the diamond, having been sidelined since July 21 due to a fractured left wrist. Although his recovery process has been arduous, Albies' potential return has energized both fans and teammates alike. His readiness, however, won't come without sacrifices. Due to the severity of his wrist injury, Albies will be compelled to bat exclusively right-handed when he makes his comeback. This adjustment stems from ongoing discomfort that flares up when he attempts to swing from the left side.
"Everybody on the team is asking me when I'm going to be back," Albies said, addressing the anticipation. "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."
Notable Metrics and Career Achievements
The Braves will certainly cherish any offensive contributions Albies can provide, especially considering his career numbers. When batting right-handed, Albies boasts an impressive OPS of .947, a striking contrast to his .738 OPS from the left side. Prior to his injury this season, he was hitting .258/.310/.407, contributing eight home runs, 46 RBIs, and eight stolen bases over 90 games. His efforts were quantified at an estimated 1.3 Wins Above Replacement (WAR), underscoring his value to Atlanta's playoff push.
Interim Replacement Stepping Up
In Albies' prolonged absence, Whit Merrifield has admirably filled the void at second base. Joining the Braves after being released by the Philadelphia Phillies, Merrifield has delivered a reliable .269/.374/.370 slash line in 36 games. While Merrifield’s steady hand has been invaluable, the return of a player of Albies' caliber naturally garners excitement.
Speculation and Expectations
During Albies’ time away, Braves Manager Brian Snitker has remained reticent about discussing the specifics of the second baseman's return. "We haven't talked about it yet," Snitker commented, emphasizing a measured approach to Albies' rehabilitation and reentry into the lineup.
Albies' eventual return aims to bolster a Braves squad vying for postseason relevance. With a Wild Card berth within reach, every game will be crucial, and having Albies' bat and defensive prowess back in the mix could tilt the odds in Atlanta’s favor. As he navigates the final stages of his comeback, the Braves and their fanbase will await anxiously, hoping for the impactful presence of their star second baseman before the close of September.