ATLANTA — Braves second baseman Ozzie Albies is headed to the 10-day injured list after missing Monday night’s game against the New York Yankees with a left hamstring strain.
It was Albies’ first missed start of the season. Following the 11-3 win, Braves manager Brian Snitker announced plans to place Albies on the IL. Vaughn Grissom, who filled in at second base late last season, is an option to be recalled to fill Albies’ roster spot.
Nicky Lopez, who had three hits and drove in three runs while filling in for Albies on Monday, could continue to see more playing time.
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.”
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.”
Asked about his appreciation of having so many players make every start, Snitker said, “Very much so, and the fact they want to do that and they train to do that. It’s a pretty good thing, in my opinion. I think it keeps them strong.”
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, 먹튀검증토토사이트 Snitker stated that Albies’ hamstring strength was being checked.