You could write a soap opera with the injury saga swirling around this Atlanta Braves team right now. But the Marcell Ozuna situation? That one might be the most eyebrow-raising of all. And no, not because he’s missing time—but because he’s not.
A Tear, But No Structural Damage?
Here’s the jaw-dropper: Marcell Ozuna, the guy who’s carried Atlanta’s offense the last couple of seasons, casually revealed to reporters that he’s been dealing with a tear in his hip. Yes, a tear. Not soreness. Not tightness. A tear. This revelation came weeks after the team told fans there was “no structural damage” following his MRI back in April.
So what gives? Is there a new definition of “structural damage” we don’t know about? Is the Braves’ medical staff using X-rays from 2002? It’s baffling.
And if we’re being honest, it’s a bad look—both from a transparency standpoint and a player safety one. If Ozuna’s playing through a serious injury just to prop up a sputtering lineup, then this situation is more about desperation than resilience.
The Production Slump: Now It Makes Sense
Since that MRI, Ozuna hasn’t looked like the same guy who terrorized pitchers last season. The pop in the bat, the fluid swing, and the timely clutch hits have all taken a hit. And now we know why.
Hip injuries can wreck a hitter’s timing and power. They’re brutal. So if he’s swinging at 70%, it’s no wonder his OPS is down, and his bat speed looks sluggish.
And yet he’s in the lineup. Nearly every day.
Braves Usage Debate: Time for a Smarter Plan
The Braves have options. Good ones. Sean Murphy is healthy again. Drake Baldwin has been knocking on the door, bat in hand. And with Ozuna’s current state, it feels less like lineup management and more like wishful thinking to keep sending him out there without rest.
Why not rotate the DH slot more? Give Murphy and Baldwin chances to get ABs without wearing down behind the plate. If you’re nervous about catching depth, carry a third catcher. You’re barely using most of the bench as it is. Prioritizing Ozuna’s health isn’t just about now—it’s about October. Assuming, of course, you get to October.
What Happens After 2025 For the Braves?
That brings us to the elephant in the clubhouse. Ozuna’s a free agent after this season. There’s been no serious buzz about an extension, and with this hip issue looming, you have to wonder if the Braves will even consider bringing him back. A torn hip is the kind of injury that doesn’t just go away. It lingers. It affects contract value. It’s a red flag and a big one.
At his best, Ozuna is a fearsome force in the heart of the lineup. But if Atlanta mishandles this, they risk losing both a productive bat and the trust of a fanbase that’s growing increasingly frustrated with injury mismanagement.
If Ozuna’s hurt, treat him like he’s hurt. Let him heal. Use the depth. Make smart, long-term decisions. Are you trying to survive May by sacrificing October? That’s a losing strategy—every time.
