The Atlanta Braves are navigating a challenging season as they contend with a spate of injuries that have sidelined several key players. The latest setback involves Austin Riley, who is facing a six to eight-week recovery period after sustaining a broken hand. Riley’s absence is a significant blow for the Braves, further depleting a roster already stretched thin.
Riley’s injury compounds the Braves’ woes, as they have also been without Spencer Strider, Ronald Acuña Jr., and Ozzie Albies for extended periods. With the team desperately needing to fill the gap at third base, they are exploring their options, including Yuli Gurriel and Gio Urshela.
Pivotal Decisions
Gio Urshela has emerged as a top candidate to replace Riley. Urshela, recently released by the Detroit Tigers, is reportedly on the verge of signing a major-league deal with the Braves. Over 92 games this season, Urshela posted a .243/.286/.333 batting line with five home runs and 37 RBIs. While his offensive output has dipped compared to his productive 2022 season, the Braves see potential value in his experience and versatility.
Another option under consideration is Yuli Gurriel, who has spent the entire year with Triple-A Gwinnett. Gurriel's impressive stats include a .300/.380/.498 slash line over 72 games, with 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 the position since 2019, which may complicate his transition.
Strategic Moves
The Braves are weighing their options carefully as they look to maintain their momentum in a tight NL wild-card race. They currently hold the last NL wild-card spot by a slim margin, leading the New York Mets by a game and a half, while trailing the Philadelphia Phillies by seven games. The team is coming off a successful west coast trip, winning five of their last seven games, and has returned home to face the Phillies in a critical three-game series starting Tuesday.
Filling Riley's shoes at third base is crucial for the Braves, given the current thinness of their lineup. "According to Sherman, the team plans to give him some reps at third to see if he's a valid option," a source explained regarding Urshela’s potential role. The next few weeks will test the Braves' depth and resilience as they navigate these roster challenges.
The Braves are no strangers to adversity this season, grappling with injuries to some of their most influential players. As the race for the playoffs intensifies, the team will need to leverage both veteran savvy and the potential of emerging players to stay competitive. The decisions made in the coming days will undoubtedly shape the Braves' trajectory as they aim to secure a postseason berth.