ATLANTA — As Ozzie Albies prepares for his first rehab game in Triple-A on Thursday, Atlanta Braves manager Brian Snitker says it’s all about watching for the signs of when the dynamic second baseman is ready to make his return to MLB action.
“He has to get his body back. He’s in good shape. He does a lot of work, but until you get out there and put the cleats on and play the innings and everything, just getting his body back into game shape,” Snitker said on Wednesday when he was asked about what he is looking for from Albies in Triple-A Gwinnett. “We’ll be able to tell, day to day, and see how he feels. Just getting him back into shape again.”
This will be the first game action for Albies since he was put on the 60-day injured list after suffering a fractured foot against the Washington Nationals on June 13.
The timing of the return of Ozzie Albies to the Atlanta Braves could be perfect as the postseason approaches
Not only could the Atlanta Braves soon be getting back a two-time All-Star and second baseman who was slashing .244/.289/.405 with eight home runs and 33 RBI, but the team is also getting an in-depth look at 21-year-old rookie Vaughn Grissom, who has taken over at second base since his debut on August 10 and has performed well, posting a 137 OPS+.
“It’s great experience for him,” Snitker said of Grissom. “Time will tell what happens going forward, but it’s very encouraging and great to see another young guy getting called up and doing well.”
As Snitker discussed in Tuesday’s pregame press conference, the Braves will have an interesting decision to make how to include Grissom and Albies both in the lineup (with both playing primarily at second base), especially with Ronald Acuña Jr. likely to spend time as the team’s designated hitter as he fights his way through knee soreness.
However, the problem of having too many players who can produce at the plate is a good problem for the Braves to have, and Snitker will likely work Albies back into the lineup slowly, giving chances for both players to get some at-bats.
How soon will Ozzie Albies be back with the Atlanta Braves? It depends on how Albies fares in Triple-A with his health and stamina, but don’t expect the Braves to keep him there long.