Albies part of history in return from IL
ATLANTA -- After being activated from the injured list on Wednesday, Ozzie Albies discussed how hard it was to miss the past month with a right wrist bone bruise.
“It’s tough, because I like to play every day,” Albies said. “The toughest part was just watching the game on TV. I was sitting at home bored. All I could do is just wait and wait and wait.”
Albies' wait ended on Wednesday, when he started at second base and batted eighth in a 29-9 blowout over the Marlins. Back in the Braves' lineup for the first time since Aug. 4, he homered during an 11-run second inning and finished the night with three hits as Atlanta set a National League record for runs scored in a game.
“It’s exciting to get him back,” manager Brian Snitker said. “Ozzie makes everyone feel better. The energy he brings and the person he is, it will be good to just see him back out there.”
To create a roster spot, the Braves optioned Johan Camargo to the team’s alternate training site. Camargo has hit .200 with a .611 OPS in 127 plate appearances this year. His struggles led the Braves to give Adeiny Hechavarría most of the recent starts at second base.
Albies tallied 24 homers in each of the past two seasons and produced a .852 OPS last year. If a healthy wrist allows him to begin providing that kind of production again, he likely won’t be stuck in the lineup’s eighth spot the rest of the year.
“I’m really excited and happy to be back,” Albies said. “I want to help my team any way that I can. I want to bring all of the positive energy, enjoy the game and just get [wins].”
Albies felt some wrist discomfort during Summer Camp, but he still played 11 games before being placed on the injured list. The 23-year-old infielder recorded three extra-base hits, including a homer, during the season’s third game. But he hit .138 (4-for-29) and produced a .331 OPS over the next eight games.
Albies' discomfort was most severe when he attempted to swing from the right side. So in a last-ditch effort to avoid the injured list, the switch-hitter attempted to bat left-handed against Blue Jays left-hander Anthony Kay. He struck out and was shut down the next day.
Albies took live batting practice against Cole Hamels on Sunday and continued to swing in a pain-free manner as he played an intrasquad game at the team’s alternate training site on Tuesday.