Ozzie Albies, the second baseman for the Braves, will spend 10 days on the injured list after suffering a left hamstring strain on Monday against the New York Yankees.
Albies missed his first game of the year. Braves manager Brian Snitker made the announcement to activate Albies from the IL following the team’s 11-3 victory. It is possible to recall Vaughn Grissom to take Albies’ roster place. Grissom temporarily filled in at second base during the end of last season.
Nicky Lopez, who filled in for Albies on Monday and had three hits and three RBIs, might get more playing time in the future.
Due to tightness in his left hamstring, Albies left the Braves’ 7-6 loss to the New York Mets on Sunday. Prior to Monday’s game, Snitker stated that Albies was “still feeling it a little bit.”
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Albies, who is second in the majors behind teammate Matt Olson, has been one of Atlanta’s most productive players, batting.267 with 28 home runs and 90 RBIs. Albies has 235 total bases, which puts him ninth in the majors.
Snitker remarked of his initial lineup sans Albies at second base, “I had to get a new stamp out.”
Albies is not the only 2023 Iron Man for the Braves. As the Braves have amassed the best record in the majors, first baseman Olson, third baseman Austin Riley, and right fielder Ronald Acuna Jr. have started each of Atlanta’s first 117 games.
Snitker remarked, “If something happens and they need a day, we’ll give it a day. “It has not yet happened.”
Snitker responded, “Very much so, and the fact that they want to do that and train to do that. I appreciate having so many guys make every start. It’s a pretty good thing, in my opinion. It, in my opinion, keeps them robust.
On July 30, the Braves traded left-hander Taylor Hearn to Kansas City in exchange for Lopez.
In Atlanta’s 21-3 thrashing of the Mets in the first game of Saturday’s doubleheader, Lopez started at shortstop in place of Orlando Arcia and had four hits, including a home run and a double, while also scoring three runs. In relief, he added a scoreless inning.
Lopez reflected on his big game on Monday, saying, “It was pretty cool, obviously just given the opportunity to go out and play.” It’s something I’ll always remember.
Lopez acknowledged that his chances of starting might be slim because there are so many position players that start every game.
Lopez declared, “I know why I’m here, and I know my place on this squad. Of course, the diamond is covered in studs. I come here to cover a few vacancies here and there and to be available if needed.
Prior to the game, Snitker stated that Albies’ hamstring strength was being checked.