Ozzie Albies is back, and Braves fans couldn’t be happier! After nearly two months on the sidelines with a broken left wrist, the dynamic second baseman made his long-awaited return to the lineup on Friday night.
It wasn’t the explosive comeback some might have hoped for, as Albies went 0-for-4 in the Braves’ narrow 4-3 loss to the Miami Marlins. Still, the bigger story is that Albies is back on the field, and that alone is a win for Atlanta.
A three-time All-Star, Albies was activated from the 10-day injured list just in time for the Braves’ final playoff push. With the team fighting for a postseason spot, his return couldn’t have come at a better moment. And despite the hitless outing, manager Brian Snitker wasn’t too worried. “We know what he can do,” Snitker said. “It’s still good to see him in that lineup, I’ll tell you that.”
The Braves had certainly missed his presence. Albies fractured his wrist in late July during a game against the St. Louis Cardinals in a freak play while trying to catch a throw during Michael Siani’s stolen base attempt. His glove hand bent awkwardly, and just like that, Atlanta was without one of its key players.
The #Braves today returned INF Ozzie Albies from his rehabilitation assignment and reinstated him from the injured list, and optioned INF Cavan Biggio to Triple-A Gwinnett.
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) September 20, 2024
Now that Albies is back, the Braves are counting on him to provide a spark for the team, both on and off the field. “He brings so much heart and soul to our game and the team,” Snitker added. “Who he is, how he plays—you can’t replace that. Having him back is a huge boost for us.” Even though he didn’t get a hit, Albies’ return is a major positive for the Braves.
Before the injury, he was batting .255 with eight home runs and 46 RBIs—solid numbers that show just how important he is to this lineup. On Friday night, Albies batted second, just behind Michael Harris II, a move designed to bring more speed to the top of the order, according to Snitker. As Albies settles back in, it’s a strategy that could pay off in a big way.
With the playoffs in sight, Albies’ return might be the shot in the arm the Braves need to make their final push. It wasn’t the dream return with a game-winning hit, but Ozzie Albies brings energy, passion, and undeniable skill every time he steps on the field. And when he’s out there, you can bet the Braves are a much better team.
