Ozzie Albies Nearing Return to Braves Lineup
After a prolonged absence from the Atlanta Braves lineup, second baseman Ozzie Albies is making plans to return before September 29. Albies, who has been sidelined since July 21 due to a fractured left wrist, is eager to rejoin his team as they contend for a spot in the postseason.
However, Albies' comeback will come with a notable restriction: he will be limited to batting right-handed. The switch-hitter has been unable to shake the discomfort that arises when swinging from the left side. Despite this limitation, Albies remains a formidable presence at the plate. Historically, he has outperformed from the right side, boasting a career OPS of .947, significantly higher than his .738 OPS from the left.
Before his injury, Albies was a key contributor for the Braves, hitting .258/.310/.407 with eight home runs, 46 RBIs, and eight stolen bases in 90 games. His overall contribution to the team was valued at an estimated 1.3 Wins Above Replacement (WAR), reflecting his importance both offensively and defensively.
"Everybody on the team is asking me when I'm going to be back," Albies shared. "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."
Impact on Braves' NL Wild-Card Race
Albies' return is timely for the Braves, who are currently leading the National League wild-card race by a slender half-game margin over the New York Mets. His presence could provide a crucial boost as the Braves look to solidify their playoff positioning.
In Albies' absence, Whit Merrifield has stepped in, delivering respectable performances with a batting line of .269/.374/.370 in 36 games for Atlanta. Merrifield joined the Braves after being released by the Philadelphia Phillies, and his contributions have helped keep the team in contention during a critical stretch of the season.
Manager Brian Snitker's Perspective
Interestingly, Braves manager Brian Snitker has not extensively commented on Albies' return. When asked about the situation, Snitker briefly remarked, "We haven't talked about it yet." This statement suggests that while Albies is preparing for his comeback, the team remains cautious about setting definitive expectations until he is fully cleared and ready.
Looking Ahead
As Albies works toward his return, the Braves will be monitoring his progress closely. The team and its fans eagerly await his return, hopeful that his right-handed prowess will bolster the lineup and help drive the team towards a successful postseason run. The underscored resilience and determination Albies has shown throughout his recovery is a testament to his commitment and passion for the game.
Until his official return, the focus will remain on ensuring Albies meets all necessary health benchmarks. Given the stakes and the Braves' current position, having Albies back, even in a limited capacity, could make a significant difference as the regular season winds down.