Albies (left hamstring) goes on 10-day IL

August 15th, 2023

ATLANTA -- Ozzie Albies’ bid for a second 30-homer season has been put on hold. The Braves second baseman on Tuesday went on the 10-day injured list, retroactive to Aug. 14, with a strained left hamstring.

Vaughn Grissom was recalled from Triple-A Gwinnett on Tuesday to rejoin Atlanta’s roster.

Albies exited Sunday night’s game against the Mets with what was termed left hamstring cramping. The ailment proved to be more significant than the team’s medical staff anticipated. The second baseman underwent further testing after he awoke Monday still feeling discomfort.

“It’s just something that is going to be more than a day-to-day thing,” Braves manager Brian Snitker said. “We just want to take care of it and allow him to treat it.”

Albies has hit .267 with 28 homers and an .841 OPS this year. He started each of the Braves’ first 117 games before missing Monday’s game.

Nicky Lopez filled in capably, as he recorded three hits in the series-opening win over the Yankees. Lopez was acquired from the Royals before the Trade Deadline, and he tallied four hits when he made his first start for Atlanta in the first game of Saturday’s doubleheader against the Mets. The middle infielder stands as the only player in Braves history to drive in eight or more runs in his first two starts with the club since at least 1920.

But while Lopez has swung a hot bat over the past few days, Grissom has been showing his offensive potential throughout the season at Triple-A Gwinnett.

Grissom became a fan favorite when he rose from High-A to the Majors last year and served as Atlanta’s second baseman for most of the season’s final two months. He produced a .793 OPS in 41 games for the Braves in 2022.

Though there have always been questions about Grissom’s ability to play shortstop, he should be able to capably handle second base. Grissom’s bat provides far fewer concerns; he has hit .365 with a 1.043 OPS over his past 28 games for Gwinnett.