After a prolonged absence from the diamond, Atlanta Braves second baseman Ozzie Albies is eagerly eyeing a return to the lineup before September 29. Albies, who has been sidelined since July 21, continues to grapple with discomfort in his left wrist – an injury that has markedly impacted his swing from the left side.
Despite the ongoing discomfort, Albies is determined to contribute to his team's postseason push. The Braves currently lead the National League wild-card race by a razor-thin margin, just half a game over the New York Mets. With the intensity of the playoff race escalating, Albies' return could provide a crucial boost to the Braves' lineup.
However, Albies' comeback will come with a notable adjustment. The switch-hitter, known for his versatility at the plate, will be restricted to batting exclusively from the right side. This decision stems from the persisting pain in his left wrist, which hinders his ability to swing effectively from the left. Albies' career stats indicate a stark contrast between his performance from each side of the plate – an impressive .947 OPS from the right side versus a .738 OPS from the left.
Before his injury, Albies was hitting .258/.310/.407, accumulating eight home runs, 46 RBIs, and eight stolen bases in 90 games. His contributions were valued at an estimated 1.3 Wins Above Replacement. The Braves have keenly felt his absence, both defensively and offensively. Whit Merrifield, who stepped in to fill the void, has posted a solid .269/.374/.370 in his 36 games with Atlanta. Merrifield joined the Braves after being released by the Philadelphia Phillies and has admirably bridged the gap; nevertheless, Albies' return is eagerly anticipated by fans and teammates alike.
Speaking on his recovery process, Albies expressed both his desire to return and his cautious approach. "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 explained. His readiness to come back at full strength reflects his commitment to not just return, but to contribute meaningfully to the team's success.
There's been limited commentary from Braves' manager Brian Snitker regarding Albies' return, with Snitker noting, "We haven't talked about it yet." This vagueness adds an element of uncertainty to Albies' expected return date, but the second baseman's enthusiasm and determination are clear.
The return of Albies, even in a restricted capacity, could be pivotal for the Braves. His prowess batting right-handed will still offer significant offensive firepower as the team navigates the final stretch of the regular season. With Albies' imminent return on the horizon, the Braves' faithful can look forward to a bolstered lineup and enhanced depth as they strive to clinch a postseason berth.
As the clock ticks down to September 29, all eyes will be on Albies. The second baseman's performance could not only inspire his teammates but might also play a pivotal role in the Braves' quest for October glory.