As the Atlanta Braves navigate a challenging season, the team faces another significant hurdle with the loss of Austin Riley to a broken hand. Riley, who has been a pivotal player for the Braves, is expected to be sidelined for six to eight weeks, adding to a growing list of key players already out of action. This list includes Spencer Strider, Ronald Acuña Jr., and Ozzie Albies, all of whom have faced their own injury setbacks this season.
This latest blow intensifies the Braves' search for a capable third baseman to fill the gap left by Riley's absence. The two primary candidates being considered are Yuli Gurriel and Gio Urshela. Urshela, who was recently released by the Detroit Tigers, appears to be close to signing a major-league deal with the Braves. His addition to the roster could provide a much-needed boost, though his recent offensive stats have been underwhelming. Urshela batted .243/.286/.333 over 92 games this season, with five home runs and 37 RBIs, marking a drop from his more productive 2022 season.
Meanwhile, Gurriel offers a different profile. Spending the entire year with Triple-A Gwinnett, Gurriel posted impressive stats, hitting .300/.380/.498 over 72 games. His performance included 12 home runs, 48 RBIs, 38 runs, and 11 steals. However, Gurriel hasn’t played third base in the majors since 2021 and hasn’t started at that position since 2019, raising questions about his viability as a solution for the Braves’ current predicament.
Despite these challenges, the Braves have recently returned home following a successful west-coast trip, winning five of their last seven games. Presently, they hold the last NL wild-card spot, leading the New York Mets by a game and a half. However, they trail the Philadelphia Phillies by seven games. The Braves are set to host the Phillies for a crucial three-game series starting Tuesday, with their lineup remaining precariously thin.
According to a source, "the team plans to give him [Urshela] some reps at third to see if he's a valid option."
The Braves' current situation underscores the importance of depth and resilience in a major league season. As the team continues to adapt and find solutions, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how these potential changes impact their push for the playoffs.