The Atlanta Braves are enduring a particularly challenging season as they contend with a series of injuries to their key players. The latest setback involves Austin Riley, who has been sidelined with a broken hand. Riley is expected to miss six to eight weeks of action, a significant blow given his importance to the team.
Injury Woes Continue for Braves
Riley's injury adds to an already extensive list of sidelined Braves players, including Spencer Strider, Ronald Acuña Jr., and Ozzie Albies. The team is urgently looking into potential replacements to fill the gap left by Riley at third base. Among the names being considered are Yuli Gurriel and Gio Urshela.
Potential Replacements: Urshela and Gurriel
Gio Urshela appears to be a leading candidate, reportedly close to signing a major-league deal with the Braves. Urshela, recently released by the Detroit Tigers, batted .243/.286/.333 over 92 games this season, tallying five home runs and 37 RBIs. Though his offensive numbers have dipped since his productive 2022 season, the Braves are optimistic about his potential.
Yuli Gurriel is another option, having spent the entire year with Triple-A Gwinnett. His performance there has been notable as he hit .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 at that position since 2019, casting some doubt on his viability as a long-term solution.
Return Home and Wild-Card Battle
Despite these setbacks, the Braves have remained resilient. They have recently returned home after a successful west-coast trip, during which they won five of their last seven games. The team currently holds the last NL wildcard spot, leading the New York Mets by a game and a half. However, they trail the Philadelphia Phillies by seven games. This upcoming series against the Phillies will be crucial, as Atlanta is set to host the division leaders for a three-game showdown starting Tuesday.
With a lineup already stretched thin, every game holds significant weight for the Braves. According to one source, "the team plans to give him some reps at third to see if he's a valid option," referring to Urshela. This experimentation reflects the Braves' desperate need for stability at third base.
In a season marked by adversity, the Braves' ability to adapt and persevere will be put to the test. Whether Urshela or Gurriel steps up, the team will hope for a seamless transition as they continue their fight for a playoff spot. The next few weeks will be critical in determining if they can hold onto or even improve their wildcard position in the competitive National League.