When Will Ozzie Albies Return?
The Atlanta Braves are eagerly awaiting the return of their star second baseman, Ozzie Albies, who has been sidelined since July 21 due to a fractured left wrist. While the Braves have managed to maintain their leading position in the National League wild-card race, they are only half a game ahead of the New York Mets. The absence of Albies, a key player, has undoubtedly been felt. However, Albies has made it clear that he plans to return to the lineup before September 29.
Albies' Imminent Return
Albies' recovery process has not been without its challenges. The fractured left wrist continues to cause discomfort when he swings from the left side, compelling Albies to limit himself to batting right-handed upon his return. Despite this, his return is highly anticipated not only by fans but also by his teammates. "Everybody on the team is asking me when I'm going to be back. 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," he said.
Outstanding Right-Handed Performance
Albies' decision to bat exclusively right-handed is backed by impressive career statistics. He boasts a career OPS of .947 from the right side, compared to .738 from the left. Prior to his injury, Albies was posting a respectable performance with a batting average of .258/.310/.407, featuring eight home runs, 46 RBIs, and eight stolen bases in 90 games. His overall contribution has been valued at an estimated 1.3 Wins Above Replacement (WAR), highlighting his significant impact on the team's success.
Filling the Gap
While Albies has been out, Whit Merrifield has filled in at second base. Merrifield, who joined the Braves after being released by the Philadelphia Phillies, has shown competence with a batting line of .269/.374/.370 in 36 games for Atlanta. Although he has performed admirably, the return of Albies would furnish the Braves with a much-needed boost as the postseason approaches.
Brian Snitker's Perspective
Braves manager Brian Snitker has remained reserved on the specifics of Albies' return. When asked about it, Snitker said, "We haven't talked about it yet." Snitker's cautious approach suggests that the team is willing to give Albies all the time necessary to ensure he is fully ready.
Gearing Up for the Playoffs
The Braves are in a tight race for a playoff spot, and the return of Ozzie Albies could be a decisive factor. With Albies' expected return before September 29, the Braves will gain a versatile and proficient player right as the competition intensifies. His ability to contribute both offensively and defensively could be crucial in maintaining their lead over the Mets and securing their place in the postseason.
The coming weeks will be critical for Albies and the Braves. While Merrifield has proven to be a substantial interim replacement, the return of a player of Albies' caliber will undoubtedly elevate the team as they strive for playoff success. Fans and teammates alike are eagerly anticipating Albies' return to the diamond, right-handed swing and all. Until then, the Braves will continue to rely on the depth of their roster to carry them through this crucial period.