Amid a turbulent season marred by injuries to key players, the Atlanta Braves are grappling with yet another setback as Austin Riley, one of their pivotal offensive weapons, is set to miss substantial time due to a broken hand.
The absence of Riley, who is expected to be sidelined for six to eight weeks, compounds the Braves' growing list of injuries. He joins the likes of Spencer Strider, Ronald Acuña Jr., and Ozzie Albies, all of whom have faced significant time away from the diamond this season. This latest blow underscores the ongoing challenges for a team that has been battling to maintain its competitive edge in the National League.
Seeking Solutions at Third Base
In an effort to address the void at third base left by Riley's injury, the Braves are actively exploring potential replacements. Among the frontrunners are Yuli Gurriel and Gio Urshela, each presenting distinct pros and cons that the Braves must weigh carefully.
Gio Urshela appears to be on the brink of signing a major-league deal with Atlanta. Urshela, who was recently released by the Detroit Tigers, has experienced a decline in his offensive production this season. Across 92 games, Urshela has managed a .243 batting average with a .286 on-base percentage, and a .333 slugging percentage, adding five home runs and 37 RBIs to his tally. While these numbers indicate a dip from his previous highs, Urshela brings a wealth of experience and solid defensive skills to the table.
"According to Sherman, the team plans to give him some reps at third to see if he's a valid option," a source explained, signaling the Braves' intention to thoroughly evaluate Urshela before making any long-term commitments.
Yuli Gurriel: A Minor League Powerhouse
On the other hand, Yuli Gurriel has been making waves in Triple-A Gwinnett. With an impressive .300 batting average, .380 on-base percentage, and .498 slugging percentage over 72 games, Gurriel has showcased his offensive prowess. His stats include 12 home runs, 48 RBIs, 38 runs, and 11 steals, underscoring his multifaceted abilities at the plate.
However, a critical consideration for Atlanta is Gurriel's experience at third base. He hasn't played the position in the majors since 2021 and hasn't started there since 2019, which raises questions about his defensive readiness for the role. The Braves will need to assess whether Gurriel's offensive capabilities can offset any potential defensive shortcomings.
A Critical Series Against the Phillies
Despite the challenges, the Braves have shown resilience. They have recently come off a successful west coast trip, winning five of their last seven games. This string of victories has helped them hold onto the last NL wild-card spot, positioning them a game and a half ahead of the New York Mets. However, they still trail the Philadelphia Phillies by seven games, emphasizing the importance of their upcoming three-game series against their division rivals starting Tuesday.
The Braves' lineup remains precariously thin, making it imperative for the team to find a reliable replacement for Riley and stabilize their defensive infield. Each game in this crucial series against the Phillies could have significant implications for their postseason aspirations.
As the Braves navigate these turbulent times, the decisions they make in the coming days regarding their roster could very well determine their trajectory for the remainder of the season. The fans and the team alike will be hoping that whether it’s Urshela or Gurriel, the new addition can provide the spark needed to keep their playoff hopes alive.
"According to Sherman, the team plans to give him some reps at third to see if he's a valid option," a source explained.