Braves Suffer Another Blow with Ozzie Albies’ Fractured Wrist

The Atlanta Braves have been dealt another significant blow with the news that second baseman Ozzie Albies has suffered a fractured left wrist. Albies was placed on the 15-day injured list after sustaining the injury during Sunday’s game against the St. Louis Cardinals.

The Braves are expected to bring up Nacho Alvarez from Double-A Mississippi to replace Albies, who is expected to be sidelined for approximately eight weeks. Alvarez has primarily played shortstop, but his athleticism and instincts should allow him to make a quick transition to second base.

The injury to Albies is a significant blow to the Braves, who are already dealing with the loss of pitcher Max Fried to a forearm neuritis. Fried, who appeared in the MLB All-Star Game, felt discomfort in his forearm while warming up and underwent an MRI, which revealed the injury.

The Braves are expected to pursue trade targets to replace Albies, with Miami Marlins second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. and Colorado Rockies second baseman Brendan Rodgers being considered. Orlando Arcia is expected to remain as Atlanta’s every-day shortstop, with few viable trade candidates expected to be available.

The injury to Albies could become an urgent priority for the Braves as the July 30 MLB trade deadline approaches. If the Braves are unable to find a suitable replacement, they may need to consider other options, such as promoting a player from the minor leagues or making a trade.

In other news, Fried is expected to be shut down until his forearm neuritis subsides, and then he will resume throwing. The injury is not considered to be as serious as the season-ending injuries to pitcher Spencer Strider and reigning National League MVP Ronald Acuña Jr.

The Braves are currently second in the NL East with a 54-44 record, 8.5 games behind the Philadelphia Phillies. They hold the first wild-card slot, with a four-game lead over the clubs behind them in the standings.