The Atlanta Braves are eagerly anticipating the return of their star second baseman, Ozzie Albies, to the lineup before the end of September. Albies, who has been out of action since July 21 due to a fractured left wrist, has been a crucial player for the Braves, both with his bat and his glove.
Returning to Right-Handed Only
While Albies plans to make his comeback, he will be limited to batting right-handed. This decision stems from the persistent discomfort he feels in his left wrist when swinging from the left side. Notably, Albies has historically been more productive batting right-handed, boasting a career OPS of .947 compared to .738 from the left.
“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,” Albies said, underscoring his commitment to returning to the lineup fully prepared.
Impact on the Team
Albies was hitting .258/.310/.407 with eight home runs, 46 RBIs, and eight stolen bases in 90 games before being sidelined. His absence has been felt, but Whit Merrifield has stepped up admirably, hitting .269/.374/.370 in 36 games with Atlanta since being picked up after his release from the Philadelphia Phillies.
Despite Merrifield's contribution, the return of Albies is highly anticipated. Albies’ overall contributions to the team are quantified at an estimated 1.3 Wins Above Replacement, illustrating his significant impact on the field.
Playoff Push
As the Braves lead the National League wild-card race by a narrow margin of half a game over the New York Mets, every player’s performance is critical. The return of Albies could provide the necessary boost for Atlanta as they aim to secure their postseason spot.
Manager Brian Snitker has kept details about Albies’ return close to the vest, stating simply, "We haven't talked about it yet." The team's focus remains on ensuring that Albies is completely ready to contribute before rejoining the lineup.
Looking Forward
The Braves and their fans are undoubtedly eager for Albies’ return. His presence on the field brings a combination of skill, leadership, and the kind of competitive edge that can drive a team during critical moments of the season. Albies’ recovery and strategic right-handed hitting will be crucial as Atlanta heads into the final stretch of the regular season and aims for a strong showing in the playoffs.