Ozzie Albies is determined to return to the Braves’ lineup before the regular season ends on September 29, but there might be a twist: the switch-hitting second baseman may only bat right-handed as he recovers from a left wrist injury. Albies, 27, has been out since July 21 due to a fractured wrist, which still causes discomfort when he swings from the left side. Despite this, he’s historically been more productive as a righty, with a .947 OPS compared to .738 from the left.
Before his injury, Albies hit .258/.310/.407 with eight home runs and 46 RBIs in 90 games. While he and manager Brian Snitker haven’t officially discussed him batting exclusively right-handed, the Braves could be motivated to explore the option. The team is in a tight playoff race, leading the Mets by half a game for the final NL wild-card spot. In the meantime, veteran Whit Merrifield has filled in at second base, batting .269/.374/.370 in 36 games since joining Atlanta after his release from the Phillies earlier this season.
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