The Braves are hopeful second baseman Ozzie Albies will rejoin the lineup Tuesday for the series opener in New York against the Yankees. Albies was hit in the calf by a pitch Friday and was sidelined throughout the weekend, but he’s avoided a stint on the injured list.
“He’s better,” manager Brian Snitker said. “Hopefully with today, then tomorrow the off day (Monday), I’m hoping he’ll be ready to go Tuesday.”
Utilityman Ehire Adrianza has manned second base in Albies’ absence. Adrianza was back in the starting lineup for Sunday’s series finale in Chicago after going 2-for-4 Saturday. The Braves were going for a series win after splitting the first two games against the Cubs.
Albies, 24, will continue receiving treatment during the team’s off day. Albies has hit .157/.262/.353 with two homers and eight RBIs in 14 games this season.
Notes from Sunday:
- The Braves entered Sunday at 6-9, their worst start since 2017, which was the last season they didn’t win the National League East. There’s quite a talent difference between this team and the 2017 club, however.
- When assessing the Braves’ start, consider how short-handed they are right now. The following players are sidelined: Albies, starters Mike Soroka, Max Fried and Drew Smyly, relievers Chris Martin and Sean Newcomb, and outfielders Cristian Pache and Ender Inciarte.
Injuries have dealt a blow to the Braves’ regular contributions and depth, forcing them to make several roster maneuvers while waiting for returns.
- Martin hasn’t yet resumed throwing, Snitker said. So there’s no timetable for when the reliable right-hander will return from right-shoulder inflammation. Fried, meanwhile, is still feeling sore from his strained right hamstring. Snitker is maintaining hope Fried will only miss one start, but “I can’t say for sure that it won’t be longer,” the manager added.
Credit: Brynn Anderson
Credit: Brynn Anderson
- If it feels like Ronald Acuna is responsible for half the Braves’ offense, that’s not too far off. Acuna has knocked in or scored 43% of the Braves’ runs (68) entering Sunday. He can’t do it all himself, but he’s trying.
- Down in Florida, Braves minor leaguers are competing in games ahead of the minor-league season beginning in May.
The Mississippi Braves’ Chris Harris passed this along from Saturday’s results: The Group 1 Braves defeated the Group 1 Rays, 7-3.
Down in Florida yesterday, the Group 1 Braves hit four homers to beat Tampa Bay’s Group 1, 7-3. Waters, Langeliers, Alexander and Jenista, went deep.
— Chris Harris (@CHarris731) April 18, 2021
Some games today are scheduled against the Twins.
Outfielder Drew Waters, catcher Shea Langeliers and outfielder Greyson Jenista were among those who homered.
That’s particularly good news on Waters, who tweaked his oblique in the spring and only appeared in four exhibition games with the Braves. Waters will open the season with Triple-A Gwinnett.
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