Amid a season fraught with challenges and obstacles, the Atlanta Braves find themselves grappling with yet another key injury. Austin Riley, a cornerstone of the team's infield, has suffered a broken hand. Riley's absence, expected to be anywhere from six to eight weeks, adds to an already extensive list of Braves' top-tier talent sidelined by injuries. This list includes standout players like Spencer Strider, Ronald Acuña Jr., and Ozzie Albies, putting the team in a precarious position as they battle through the season.
The Braves, who are currently clinging to the last National League wild-card spot, have recently completed a successful west coast trip, winning five of their last seven games. However, the injury to Riley spells trouble for a team already struggling with depth issues. Riley's role at third base is crucial, and his absence leaves a significant gap that the Braves urgently need to fill.
Possible Solutions at Third Base
The Braves are exploring potential options to fill the void left by Riley. Among the possibilities are veterans Yuli Gurriel and Gio Urshela, with Urshela reportedly close to signing a major-league deal with the team. Urshela was recently released by the Detroit Tigers, making him a viable candidate to step in at third base for the Braves.
Urshela's performance this season has been underwhelming, featuring a batting line of .243/.286/.333 over 92 games, accompanied by five home runs and 37 RBIs. Comparatively, these numbers mark a decline from his last productive season in 2022. Nevertheless, the Braves are considering giving him some reps at third to gauge his viability as an effective replacement. As one source noted, "According to Sherman, the team plans to give him some reps at third to see if he's a valid option."
Another potential candidate is Yuli Gurriel, who has spent the entire year with Triple-A Gwinnett. Gurriel's stats at Triple-A are more promising, featuring a batting line of .300/.380/.498 over 72 games. He has hit 12 home runs, driven in 48 RBIs, scored 38 runs, and stolen 11 bases. However, it's worth noting that Gurriel has not played third base in the majors since 2021 and hasn't started at the position since 2019. This detail adds a layer of complexity to the Braves' decision-making process.
Upcoming Challenges
As the Braves navigate this turbulent period, they face a crucial upcoming series against the Philadelphia Phillies. Currently trailing the Phillies by seven games in the standings, the Braves have a golden opportunity to close that gap during their three-game home series starting Tuesday. The Braves also find themselves just a game and a half ahead of the New York Mets in the wild-card race, underscoring the importance of every game as the season progresses.
The Braves' lineup remains razor-thin, heightening the pressure on their remaining healthy players to perform at their best. With the injury bug relentless in its assault on the team's roster, the Braves' management and coaching staff are undoubtedly working overtime to devise strategies and make pivotal lineup decisions that could determine the team's fate.
The Atlanta Braves have certainly showcased resilience amid adversity this season, but the road ahead is fraught with challenges. The final third of the season will be a true test of the team's depth, determination, and ability to overcome significant hurdles, beginning with finding the right fit at third base to replace the indispensable Austin Riley.