The Atlanta Braves continue to navigate a tumultuous season, with injuries to key players compromising their lineup. The latest blow comes with Austin Riley's broken hand, sidelining the third baseman for six to eight weeks and adding to an already extensive list of absentees, including Spencer Strider, Ronald Acuña Jr., and Ozzie Albies.
The Braves are actively searching for a dependable third baseman to fill the void left by Riley. Among the options being considered are Yuli Gurriel and Gio Urshela, each bringing a different set of experiences and recent performances to the table.
Gio Urshela’s Recent Journey
Gio Urshela appears to be on the brink of signing a major-league deal with the Braves, following his release from the Detroit Tigers. Urshela's performance this season has been underwhelming, with a batting average of .243/.286/.333 over 92 games, accompanied by five home runs and 37 RBIs. His offensive production has seen a significant decline since his last standout season in 2022. Despite this, the Braves see potential in Urshela, especially given his defensive capabilities.
"According to Sherman, the team plans to give him some reps at third to see if he's a valid option" (a source explained). This move shows the Braves' willingness to explore Urshela's potential to fill the third base gap, despite his recent struggles at the plate.
Yuli Gurriel: A Strong Candidate
On the other hand, Yuli Gurriel has spent the entire year with Triple-A Gwinnett, boasting impressive stats. Over 72 games, Gurriel has hit .300/.380/.498 with 12 home runs, 48 RBIs, 38 runs, and 11 steals. His eye-catching performance in Triple-A positions him as a strong candidate for promotion to the majors.
However, a notable concern is Gurriel's lack of recent experience at third base in the majors. He hasn't played at this position since 2021 and hasn't started there since 2019. Despite these challenges, his consistent performance in Triple-A could make him a valuable asset for the Braves.
The Braves’ Current Standing
Meanwhile, the Braves are coming off a successful west coast trip, having won five of their last seven games. This solid performance has allowed them to maintain a tenuous grip on the last NL wild-card spot. They currently lead the New York Mets by a game and a half but trail the division-leading Philadelphia Phillies by seven games.
As the Braves prepare to host the Phillies for a critical three-game series starting Tuesday, their lineup remains precariously thin. The team's ability to stay competitive during Riley's absence will largely hinge on the effectiveness of his replacement, whether it be Urshela or Gurriel.
Looking Ahead
The Braves are in a race against time to finalize and strengthen their roster. Securing a reliable third baseman is crucial not only for filling the immediate gap left by Riley but also for maintaining their momentum in the playoff race. Urshela, with his defensive prowess, and Gurriel, with his offensive consistency, both present viable options.
Amidst the uncertainties, the Braves' resilience will be tested as they navigate the final stretch of the season. With pivotal matchups on the horizon and key players on the mend, Atlanta's ability to adapt and overcome these challenges will determine their postseason fate.