Ozzie Albies' extended absence is over. The Braves reinstated their All-Star second baseman from the injured list Wednesday morning.
Albies had been sidelined for more than a month with a bone bruise in his right wrist. He hasn’t played since Aug. 4, missing 30 games, and has appeared in only 11 of the Braves' 42 contests. Albies missed only six games across his first two full major-league seasons entering 2020.
“I played last night in Gwinnett, and everything feels 100 percent,” said Albies, who also participated in a live batting practice against left-hander Cole Hamels on Sunday. “Just being at home watching the games, it was tough. You want to be with your team and play. It was something I just had to live with and get myself better for the games I’m going to play in now.”
Albies was in Wednesday’s lineup, manning second and hitting eighth as the Braves tried to avoid being swept by the Marlins at home. The lineup was one of the Braves' most unique arrangements this season. Ronald Acuna, Freddie Freeman and Marcell Ozuna topped the order. Travis d’Arnaud, Dansby Swanson and Austin Riley comprised the middle. Albies was slotted between Adam Duvall and Ender Inciarte.
It was Albies' 31st game hitting eighth. He’s slashed .337/.426/.571 with seven homers, two doubles and 20 RBIs from that spot in his career (115 plate appearances).
“I’m excited to have him back,” manager Brian Snitker said. “Ozzie makes everybody feel better. It’s good to see the energy he plays with, the person he is. It’ll be good to see him back out there. ... I told him earlier, before the at-bats pile up, that I was going to hit him down lower and let him get going for a few days. Then we’ll see where he’s at. There are no limitations at all."
The 23-year-old hadn’t found his footing before the injury. Albies, who initially played through the wrist pain, has hit .159 with one homer and six RBIs in 44 at-bats this season. The Braves have 18 games remaining in the regular season.
“I’m really excited and happy to be back,” Albies said. “I want to help the team win any way I can. I want to bring all the positive energy, enjoy the games and get (wins). That’s all that matters.”
To open a roster spot, the Braves optioned utilityman Johan Camargo to the alternate training site in Gwinnett. Camargo, who played 21 games a second base in Albies' absence, has struggled for the second consecutive campaign. He’s hit .200/.244/.367 with four homers and nine RBIs in 35 games.
