If there was ever a time for Nacho Alvarez Jr. to rise to the occasion, now would be the ideal time.
The Atlanta Braves’ 2024 MLB season has taken a turn for the worse after Spencer Strider’s right elbow injury, which, while not requiring Tommy John surgery, has been a significant setback. Adding to the woes, Ronald Acuña Jr. is out for the season with a torn ACL, and now Austin Riley is sidelined too.
Riley fractured his right hand during Sunday’s series-clinching win against the Los Angeles Angels. Given that this is his dominant hand and the one he uses for throwing, there’s a real possibility we might not see him again this season. The earliest he could return would be around October 1, but he might only come back in the NLCS or World Series if the Braves advance that far.
The team faces another challenge with no clear replacement for Riley at third base. It seems likely that Whit Merrifield could fill in once Ozzie Albies returns from his wrist injury, though that timeline remains uncertain. Otherwise, Zack Short might step into the role. It’s disappointing that top prospect Nacho Alvarez Jr. isn’t yet ready for a major league call-up, especially after his struggles earlier.
Austin Riley today underwent an MRI that revealed a right hand fracture. He is expected to miss approximately six to eight weeks.
Additionally, the club today returned RHP Reynaldo López from his rehabilitation assignment and reinstated him from the injured list, and optioned…
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) August 19, 2024
On a brighter note, the Braves are set to welcome back All-Star pitcher Reynaldo Lopez today.
Atlanta may still have enough talent to make the postseason, but the Braves are dropping like flies.
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Atlanta Braves may be forced to recall Nacho Alvarez Jr. prematurely
Alvarez was going to return in a few weeks once the rosters expand to 40 players in September. While he turned heads during his initial run in Triple-A Gwinnett before getting recalled last month, he was miserable at the plate in Atlanta over the course of eight games. He had three hits in 30 at-bats, meaning he was hitting .100 for the big-league club. Alvarez is only 21 years old, so keep that in mind.
Currently, the Braves need key players to step up offensively. Marcell Ozuna has been outstanding as the designated hitter all season, providing a reliable source of runs. Michael Harris II has also performed well since returning from his hamstring injury. However, it remains to be seen if Matt Olson, Jarred Kelenic, Travis d’Arnaud, and Jorge Soler can deliver consistently enough to carry the team.
The Braves might struggle in the upcoming weeks due to injury issues. Despite these setbacks, their starting rotation has been impressive. Max Fried has maintained his high level of performance, Reynaldo Lopez has had a standout season in his first year as a full-time starter, and Chris Sale could potentially secure the team’s first NL Cy Young award since Tom Glavine’s second in 1998.
Apart from Spencer Schwellenbach, the Braves haven’t seen much impact from their rookies this season.
