Prior to tonight’s game against the Los Angeles Dodgers, injured Atlanta Braves second baseman Ozzie Albies expressed his desire to return to the Braves lineup while chatting with reporters. He would be limited to hitting right-handed, if he were to return.
Ozzie Albies said he expects to play again this season. He said he can bat only from the right side until the left-handed swing feels better. Because the right-handed swing feels good, he is hopeful he can return within the next week — but there’s no set date.
— Justin Toscano (@JustinCToscano) September 13, 2024
It should be noted that Albies want to return and the team’s view on his return may not align as Braves manager Brian Snitker commented to MLB.com’s Mark Bowman.
Snit said he’s not sure if Albies will play again this year. Asked again if Albies would just bag right-handed, Snit said they still haven’t had that conversation
— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) September 13, 2024
Albies referenced that he had not spoken to Snitker when making his comments to reporters.
After today’s workout, Albies says he is ready to come back and exclusively bat right-handed. He hasn’t discussed with Snitker yet. He also thinks he will need just one rehab game.
— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) September 13, 2024
Albies has been on the injured list since July 22, 2024. He was never transitioned to the 60-day IL, so he would be eligible to be activated if deemed ready to play.
Whit Merrifield, who the Braves signed as a replacement for Albies, was out of action with a fractured foot until attempting to make a return to the line-up today. Luke Williams and Cavan Biggio have started in place of Merrifield.
For his career, Albies has 939 career plate appearances as a right-handed batter with a strong .932 – much better than his career numbers as a left-handed hitter. All but 15 of those right-handed plate appearances have come against left-handed pitchers.
With the Braves fighting for their post-season lives, a return by Albies could give the team a boost in the last weeks of the regular season.
