The Atlanta Braves are navigating a challenging season marked by significant injuries to key players. The latest blow comes with the loss of Austin Riley, who is sidelined with a broken hand. Riley’s absence, expected to last six to eight weeks, adds to the Braves' injury woes, with Spencer Strider, Ronald Acuña Jr., and Ozzie Albies already out of action.
Riley had been a cornerstone for the Braves both offensively and defensively. As the team looks to fill the void at third base, potential solutions have emerged in the form of Yuli Gurriel and Gio Urshela. Urshela, who recently parted ways with the Detroit Tigers, appears to be the front-runner. Reports indicate that Urshela is on the verge of signing a major-league deal with Atlanta.
Potential Solutions
Gio Urshela, a seasoned infielder, batted .243/.286/.333 over 92 games this season, contributing five home runs and 37 RBIs. Despite a dip in offensive production compared to his 2022 season, Urshela brings experience and a steady glove to the hot corner—a critical need for a Braves team striving to stay competitive.
Yuli Gurriel, on the other hand, has spent the year with Triple-A Gwinnett, posting impressive numbers with a .300/.380/.498 slash line over 72 games. His stats include 12 home runs, 48 RBIs, 38 runs, and 11 steals. While Gurriel has not played third base in the majors since 2021, and last started there in 2019, his solid performance in the minors makes him a viable candidate to bolster Atlanta’s lineup.
Recent Success and Upcoming Challenges
The Braves have returned home from a successful West Coast trip, having won five of their last seven games. This positive momentum has helped them secure the last NL wild-card spot, and they currently lead the New York Mets by a game and a half while trailing the Philadelphia Phillies by seven games.
Atlanta's immediate challenge is an upcoming three-game series against the Phillies starting Tuesday. With Riley out and the lineup already thin, the Braves' management is looking to make quick decisions to keep their postseason hopes alive.
Management's Strategy
According to internal sources, “the team plans to give [Urshela] some reps at third to see if he's a valid option.” This strategy reflects the Braves' urgent need to adapt and fill gaps as they scramble to maintain their competitive edge.
The Braves' front office is undoubtedly weighing their options carefully. Urshela’s major-league experience and the capability to step into a high-pressure situation without much adjustment time make him a strong candidate. At the same time, Gurriel’s standout performance in Triple-A cannot be ignored, raising the question of whether a younger, less-tested player might inject some much-needed energy into the squad.
As the Braves and their fans hold their breath, awaiting the final decision on who will fill the vital third base position, one thing is clear: the team is fighting hard to stay in the playoff race. With multiple players on the mend and the season inching closer to its climax, every game counts.
Atlanta’s resilience will be tested in the coming weeks. The strategy in play today could very well determine the Braves' position in the postseason, highlighting the importance of each decision by the coaching staff and front office. For now, all eyes are on Urshela and Gurriel to see who will step up and take on the critical role of third baseman, steering the Braves through one of their most challenging seasons in recent memory.