Two days ago, the Braves anticipated Ender Inciarte could return to the lineup Friday. Instead the Gold Glove outfielder has been shut down, ruled out for the National League Division Series and might not appear in another game this season.
It’s been a trying season for Inciarte, who’s missed 35 games with a right hamstring strain after missing 55 because of a lumbar strain. He thought he was past the worst of his hamstring, running without complications in Kansas City earlier this week.
As manager Braves Brian Snitker explained it, Inciarte didn’t feel fully game-ready even then. The thought was a day off (Thursday) and treatment would have him ready to play Friday.
Yet a setback came that afternoon at Citi Field.
“Not good,” Snitker said of Inciarte’s workout Friday. “He ran the other day in Kansas City and ran today. All the work he’s put in, the time we’ve taken, it’s just not going to happen. We’re shutting him down. Give him some time off and try to ramp him up again. I know it killed him. I was hoping we’d get him out there this weekend and see.”
Since suffering the hamstring strain in mid-August, Inciarte was adamant about returning before the end of the regular season. He aimed to come back healthy enough that he would be available for the NLDS, using this weekend to show he was up to speed and prepared to man center field in October.
While that’s no longer possible, Snitker wouldn’t rule out Inciarte returning if the team was “fortunate enough to get to the second round.” He didn’t elaborate further, just acknowledging there was a “chance” Inciarte could return for a potential NLCS.
“But it’s just not going to happen in the next week or so,” Snitker said.
Between injuries, Inciarte battled through an underwhelming season in which he hit .246/.343/.397 with 18 extra-base hits and 30 runs scored in 65 games, by far the fewest in his career. Even so, his Gold Glove defense in center could’ve made him a valuable add for the Braves in the postseason.
Inciarte’s absence will affect how the Braves round out their NLDS roster. Aside from Ronald Acuna – who will handle center – and Nick Markakis, the team’s outfield options include Matt Joyce, Billy Hamilton, Adam Duvall, Austin Riley and Rafael Ortega.
