The Atlanta Braves are enduring a tumultuous season as injuries continue to plague the team. The latest setback involves a devastating blow to Austin Riley, who has been sidelined with a broken hand. Riley's injury is expected to keep him out for six to eight weeks, adding to an already significant list of incapacitated players including Spencer Strider, Ronald Acuña Jr., and Ozzie Albies. These absences have left the Braves’ roster thin, a challenging scenario as they navigate the latter half of the season.
In Search of a Solution
Faced with the loss of Riley, the Braves are on the hunt for a competent third baseman to plug the gap. Two names have emerged as potential candidates: Yuli Gurriel and Gio Urshela. Urshela appears to be on the verge of joining the team, reportedly close to signing a major-league deal following his release from the Detroit Tigers. He brings experience and defensive reliability but has seen a dip in his offensive production this season. Over 92 games, Urshela batted .243/.286/.333 with five home runs and 37 RBIs, a noticeable decline from his more productive 2022 season.
According to a source, "The team plans to give him some reps at third to see if he's a valid option.” This suggests that Urshela will be tested to determine if he can bridge the gap left by Riley’s injury effectively.
Gurriel's Potential
On the other hand, Yuli Gurriel has been making a case for his promotion with his performance in Triple-A Gwinnett. This season, he has posted impressive stats, batting .300/.380/.498 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 there since 2019, raising questions about his readiness to tackle the position at this critical juncture.
Given the Braves’ current situation, both players present pros and cons. Urshela offers recent major league experience at third, but his offensive struggles are a concern. Gurriel, meanwhile, is exhibiting strong offensive numbers but lacks recent major league experience at the position. The Braves’ front office will need to weigh these factors carefully as they make their decision.
A Critical Homestand
Amidst these roster adjustments, the Braves are coming off a successful west coast trip, having won five of their last seven games. This bolstered their standings, and they now hold the last NL wild-card spot. However, their lead over the New York Mets is a slender one and a half games, while they trail the Philadelphia Phillies by a daunting seven games.
The upcoming three-game series against the Phillies, set to begin on Tuesday in Atlanta, couldn’t come at a more crucial time. Wins against the Phillies could significantly impact the team’s playoff aspirations, especially given their precarious roster situation. The Braves' lineup remains thin, making every game increasingly vital as they push towards the postseason.
Injuries have undeniably shaped the Braves’ season, creating an environment of unpredictability and resilience. The team’s efforts to stabilize the roster with potential new signings like Urshela and the performance review of Gurriel will be critical in the coming weeks. As fans and analysts watch closely, the Braves’ ability to adapt and overcome these challenges will be a defining storyline of their 2023 campaign.