Braves continue to struggle with injury problems, Austin Riley out, Gio Urshela is in

A struggling team could ill afford another injury and yet must now continue without one of its more consistent batsmen.

“It's tough,” Snitker said. “I hate it for Austin. I hate it for us. He's one of the most important players on your team that you can count on. I know it's going to kill him to have him out that long.”

Riley mentioned that the team has developed a “toughness” to injuries. The Braves have not been fully healthy since Opening Day, when catcher Sean Murphy left with an injury and began this rocky road. The team has lost numerous All-Stars, including Cy Young favorite Spencer Strider, who suffered season-ending injuries, and reigning National League MVP Ronald Acuña, as well as players like outfielder Michael Harris II, second baseman Ozzie Albies and others for extended periods of time.

Funnily enough, Chris Sale — who has battled injuries over the past four seasons — was the only starter who didn't miss any time. Key reliever AJ Minter (hip) is unlikely to return this season. Albies is expected back in September. Riley could return in the postseason, but that has yet to be determined.

“We've had a lot of injuries this year,” Riley said. “You have to deal with the cards you're dealt and figure out how to win games. That's what we're doing.”

In fact, despite their bad luck, the Braves hold the last wild card spot. To keep that spot, they have to keep the Mets and Giants, among others, at bay. That's why it was important to bring in additional reinforcements for the infield with Riley out.

Enter Gio Urshela, a veteran infielder just released by the Tigers. He signed with the Braves and was immediately the starting third baseman, a perfect example of how watered down the roster has become. Urshela went 0-for-3 in his debut but managed a walk with the bases loaded in a 3-1 win over the Phillies on Tuesday.

“I feel really good,” Urshela said. “I've been waiting for an opportunity, and when the Braves called me, it was a good opportunity. I'm really happy to be here with this organization. I know a lot of faces here. I came here to help.”

Urshela hit .243 with a .619 OPS in 92 games with Detroit. The nine-year veteran was released to make room for younger players as the Tigers regroup and plan their future. It was a rare good time for the Braves, who had few internal options after Riley's injury.

The Braves host the Phillies this week and will see them seven times between now and September 1. That could determine whether they have a chance at a seventh straight division title (as unlikely as that may seem). Ultimately, the team is just trying to overcome its injury problems enough to secure a spot in October.

Because once they're in there, anything can happen.