On Tuesday, the Atlanta Braves addressed another major gap in their lineup by signing infielder Gio Urshela. This move comes after third baseman Austin Riley went on the injured list with a broken hand.
Urshela, who is 32 years old, had a .243 batting average with five home runs and 37 RBIs for the Detroit Tigers before being released on Sunday.
The Braves quickly picked him up, seeing him as the best available choice to fill in for Riley, who is expected to be out for the rest of the regular season due to a pitch hitting his right hand.
“He’s been a very productive major leaguer,” said manager Brian Snitker. “It’s a great opportunity for him, and we’re lucky he was available.”
Riley’s injury is a tough setback in a season already plagued by injuries for the Braves. With his recovery estimated to take six to eight weeks, it’s unlikely he will return this season unless the team makes a deep playoff run.
“It stinks,” Riley said, wearing a cast on his hand before the start of a series against the NL East-leading Philadelphia Phillies. “I hate that I’m going to be out and not able to compete with the team. But I understand injuries are part of the game.”
The Braves have faced numerous injury issues. NL MVP Ronald Acuña Jr. is out for the season with a knee injury, second baseman Ozzie Albies is recovering from a fractured wrist, and now Riley might have played his last game this season.
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