Braves second baseman Ozzie Albies exited the game Monday with a fractured hamate bone in his left hand, a brutal development that ends Albies’ season days too early.
Albies fouled off a pitch from Nationals reliever Konnor Pilkington and showed immediate pain. He visited with team trainer George Poulis before he was removed from the contest in the third inning. Utilityman Nick Allen replaced him.
This was the same wrist Albies fractured last July, costing him a significant amount of time (two months) and seemingly zapping much of his offensive ability upon returning. It’s a different bone this time, however.
“This is a different one; I’ve seen guys come back in a month from these things,” manager Brian Snitker said. “I don’t foresee that being a problem for him. I’m sure having (the surgery soon), and once the calendar turns, he’ll be able to get into his offseason routine, hitting and everything, and be ready for spring training.”
Typically, a player who suffers this injury undergoes surgery and has the bone removed so it doesn’t occur again, Snitker noted. Albies was undergoing further testing after the game, the Braves said, and was unavailable to speak with the media.
Albies had seemed closer to full strength in the second half of the season. His resurgence had been a major summer subplot.
Albies was hitting .266 with a .738 OPS over his past 48 games. He’d hit .276 with a .782 OPS across 19 games in September. While not his best self, that’s a drastic turnaround from the .220 average and .606 OPS Albies posted in the first half.
Overall, Albies finished with a .240 average and .671 OPS, both career worsts, while being a limited defender. He should be ready to go for spring training 2026.
Will that be with the Braves?
Albies’ $7 million team option, which, because of his declining play, wasn’t viewed as a shoo-in to be accepted earlier this year, seemed a virtual lock yet again as his rejuvenated play helped the Braves to a winning record in the second half. Albies had also been reliable, appearing in every game this season.
“(Tuesday) will be the first game he’s missed all year,” Snitker said. “He rallied back (from a slow start) and had a really nice year. It’s just one of those tough things. It’s not an uncommon injury for hitters.”
Now, the team option once again becomes a question. The Braves will have to consider how effective Albies will be coming off another wrist injury, as well as potential alternatives. The option includes a $4 million buyout.
It’s an extremely unfortunate blow for Albies, who’s among the best second basemen in Braves history, an adored teammate, and someone who’s constantly given back to the fans and community.
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