The Atlanta Braves continue to face a challenging season marked by significant injuries to key players. The most recent blow to their roster is the loss of star third baseman Austin Riley, who is expected to be sidelined for six to eight weeks with a broken hand.
Riley's absence compounds the Braves' injury woes, as they have already been without crucial contributors like Spencer Strider, Ronald Acuña Jr., and Ozzie Albies for various stretches this season. The team is now in the difficult position of finding a suitable replacement for Riley at third base.
Options at Third Base
The Braves are considering several options to fill the gap at the hot corner. Among the potential replacements are Yuli Gurriel and Gio Urshela. Urshela, who was recently released by the Detroit Tigers, appears to be the team's leading candidate. Reports indicate that Urshela is close to signing a major-league deal with Atlanta.
While Urshela's offensive production has dipped this season—he batted .243/.286/.333 with five home runs and 37 RBIs over 92 games—he brings experience and a solid defensive presence to the position. His decline in form follows a productive 2022 season, but the Braves hope he can find his stride once again.
Alternatively, the Braves could turn to Yuli Gurriel. Though Gurriel has spent the entire year with Triple-A Gwinnett, he has posted impressive numbers there, hitting .300/.380/.498 over 72 games, with 12 home runs, 48 RBIs, 38 runs, and 11 steals. However, Gurriel has not played third base in the majors since 2021 and hasn't started at the position since 2019, which makes his transition back to the infield a potential risk.
The decision on who will man third base during Riley's absence will be crucial for the Braves, particularly as they vie for a playoff spot. According to one source, "the team plans to give [Urshela] some reps at third to see if he's a valid option."
Playoff Push
Despite the injuries, the Braves have managed to stay competitive. They currently hold the last NL wild-card spot, leading the New York Mets by a game and a half. However, they trail the Philadelphia Phillies by seven games, making every series crucial as the regular season winds down.
Recently, the Braves wrapped up a successful west coast trip, winning five of their last seven games, and returned home with renewed vigor. They are set to host the Phillies for a critical three-game series starting Tuesday. This series will be particularly important as the Braves aim to close the gap in the standings while maintaining their slender lead for the wild-card spot.
Challenges Ahead
The Braves' lineup remains dangerously thin, and the team will need all hands on deck to navigate the final stretch of the season. Manager Brian Snitker and his coaching staff will have to make strategic decisions and manage playing time carefully to keep the team competitive.
The Braves' resilience will be tested, but their ability to integrate new players like Urshela or Gurriel into their lineup could prove pivotal. With a combination of experienced veterans and promising young talent, the Braves are poised to battle through their injury challenges and make a strong push for the playoffs.
As the season progresses, the Braves will continue to adapt and find ways to win, regardless of the hurdles they face. The coming weeks will reveal whether their depth and determination are enough to carry them into the postseason.