In response to Albies’ injury, the Braves called up Nacho Alvarez Jr. from Triple-A Gwinnett and signed veteran Whit Merrifield. However, Merrifield quickly joined Atlanta’s list of injured players after injuring his finger during infield practice. X-rays were negative, and he is listed as day-to-day.
Braves manager Brian Snitker commented on the situation, saying, “You can’t make it up.”
To make room for Merrifield on the 40-man roster, the Braves designated outfielder Forrest Wall for assignment and sent outfielder Eli White to Triple-A Gwinnett after Sunday’s game. Merrifield, who was released by Philadelphia on July 12, brings valuable experience at second base as the Braves look to fill in for Albies for most of the rest of the regular season.
Even before Merrifield’s injury, Alvarez was set to start at second base and bat second. “Put him in amongst the guys,” Snitker said. “His swing has been hot, so why not?”
Alvarez, a fifth-round draft pick in 2022, hit .336 with seven home runs in 28 games after being promoted to Gwinnett on June 12. Describing his emotional reaction to the news of his promotion to the majors, Alvarez mentioned “probably 10 minutes of straight crying” in a phone call with his parents. However, his parents faced a setback when their early Monday flight to Atlanta was canceled, complicating their plans to witness his MLB debut.
In the minors, Alvarez primarily played shortstop but has experience at second base from his high school days and expects a smooth transition. “Ultimately, it’s just baseball,” Alvarez said.
Merrifield, aged 35, batted .199 in 53 games for the Phillies this season, with starts in left field, second base, and third base. The Braves will pay Merrifield $278,495, a prorated share of the $740,000 MLB minimum salary, while the Phillies are responsible for the remainder of his $7 million salary and a $1 million buyout for his 2025 option.
In 2021, Braves shortstop Orlando Arcia made 43 starts at second base. The Braves prioritize Arcia’s defensive skills at shortstop and are looking for alternatives to replace Albies. Merrifield could serve as insurance if Alvarez encounters difficulties adjusting.
Albies injured his wrist while trying to catch a throw during Michael Siani’s steal of second base in Sunday’s ninth inning. Siani’s slide into Albies caused the infielder to twist his glove hand at an awkward angle. Zack Short replaced Albies during the game.
Albies is the third Atlanta starting position player to face a lengthy injury absence. Reigning NL MVP Ronald Acuña Jr. suffered a season-ending knee injury in May. Center fielder Michael Harris II, who took over as leadoff hitter after Acuña’s injury, was placed on the 10-day IL with a left hamstring injury on June 14 and has yet to begin a rehab assignment.
Earlier Sunday, All-Star left-hander Max Fried was put on the 15-day IL with forearm neuritis, with the move retroactive to Thursday. Ace right-hander Spencer Strider underwent season-ending Tommy John surgery in April.
“It’s been very tough,” Snitker said of the Braves’ injury challenges. The team currently ranks second in the NL East after winning the division title for the past six years. “This year has been quite a ride… It’s never straightforward. You have to overcome adversity frequently.”
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