As the Atlanta Braves grapple with a season marred by injuries to key players, the latest blow comes with the news that star third baseman Austin Riley has sustained a broken hand. Riley's absence, expected to last six to eight weeks, adds to an already steep injury toll that includes other pivotal figures such as Spencer Strider, Ronald Acuña Jr., and Ozzie Albies.
With Riley sidelined, the Braves are actively searching for a viable replacement at third base to ensure the lineup remains competitive. Among the potential solutions being considered are Yuli Gurriel and Gio Urshela.
Gio Urshela Nears a Deal
Reports indicate that Gio Urshela is close to signing a major-league deal with the team. Urshela, who was recently released by the Detroit Tigers, may soon find himself in a Braves uniform. Over 92 games this season, Urshela batted a modest .243/.286/.333 with five home runs and 37 RBIs. His offensive production has dipped since his standout season in 2022, but the Braves are optimistic that Urshela can provide much-needed stability at third base.
“According to Sherman, the team plans to give him some reps at third to see if he's a valid option,” a source explained, highlighting the Braves' objective evaluation of their potential new addition.
The Case for Yuli Gurriel
Meanwhile, Yuli Gurriel represents another intriguing option for the Braves. Gurriel has spent the entire year honing his skills with Triple-A Gwinnett, where he posted impressive numbers: a batting average of .300, an on-base percentage of .380, and a slugging percentage of .498 over 72 games. His stats include 12 home runs, 48 RBIs, 38 runs, and 11 steals, making him a formidable candidate.
However, a complicating factor is Gurriel's experience—or lack thereof—at third base in the major leagues. He hasn't played the position since 2021 and hasn’t been a starter there since 2019. Despite this, his time with Gwinnett has shown he remains a potent offensive option, and his versatility could be invaluable for the Braves in this challenging period.
A Pivotal Series Ahead
The Braves find themselves at a critical juncture as they return home after a successful west coast trip, winning five of their last seven games. Currently holding onto the last NL wild-card spot, the Braves are in a tight race, leading the New York Mets by a game and a half while trailing the Philadelphia Phillies by seven games. The upcoming three-game series against the Phillies will be crucial for their playoff aspirations.
As Atlanta prepares to host the Phillies, the team’s lineup remains precariously thin, making the potential additions of Urshela or Gurriel all the more significant. Maintaining the momentum from their recent victories will be essential as they navigate the remainder of the season without several of their stars.
Filling the void left by Riley, coupled with the possible return of other key players, will determine the Braves' trajectory in these final stretches. Decisions made in the coming days could shape the outcome of their season, making every game and every signing a matter of high stakes for the Atlanta Braves.