The Atlanta Braves are navigating a tumultuous season marked by a string of injuries to key players. The latest blow comes with the loss of Austin Riley, who suffered a broken hand. Riley is expected to be sidelined for six to eight weeks, further straining an already precariously thin lineup for the Braves.
Injury Woes Continue
Riley's injury adds to an already painful list of absences. The Braves have seen crucial players like Spencer Strider, Ronald Acuña Jr., and Ozzie Albies miss significant time this season. Each of these injuries has tested the team's depth and resilience, pushing the management to find viable replacements.
Searching for a Stopgap
Filling Riley's shoes at third base is the immediate concern for the Braves. Among the potential solutions being explored are veteran players Yuli Gurriel and Gio Urshela. According to recent reports, Urshela appears to be on the verge of signing a major-league deal with the team. Urshela, who was recently released by the Detroit Tigers, brings experience but has seen a dip in his offensive production. This season, he batted .243/.286/.333 over 92 games, with five home runs and 37 RBIs.
Despite this, Urshela's presence could be a stabilizing factor. A source has indicated that the team plans "to give him some reps at third to see if he's a valid option."
On the other hand, Gurriel has spent the year with Triple-A Gwinnett, where his performance has been impressive. He has hit .300/.380/.498 over 72 games, accumulating 12 home runs, 48 RBIs, 38 runs, and 11 steals. However, it's worth noting that Gurriel hasn’t played third base in the majors since 2021 and hasn’t started there since 2019, which raises questions about his readiness to step into Riley's role.
A Tight Race
The Braves have recently concluded a successful west coast trip, winning five of their last seven games. These victories have bolstered their position, allowing them to currently hold the last NL wild-card spot. They lead the New York Mets by a game and a half but trail the Philadelphia Phillies by seven games.
The upcoming three-game series against the Phillies, starting Tuesday, is critical. This series could significantly impact their standing in the wild-card race and provide some breathing room in a tightly contested division. However, the team's depleted lineup remains a cause for concern.
The Braves' management and players alike are no strangers to adversity. Throughout the season, they have shown remarkable grit in the face of challenges. As they embark on the crucial stretch of the season, the performance of any soon-to-be-added third baseman could be pivotal in determining their playoff fate.