Braves news: Ozzie Albies latest, Max Fried pitches Maddux, and more

Your daily roundup of news and notes across Major League Baseball.

The Atlanta Braves’ infield suffered a significant setback last week when Ozzie Albies fractured his toe. The second baseman was supposed to return to the lineup two weeks after suffering the injury, but it appears that he may return sooner.

#Braves’ Snitker sounded as if, after watching Ozzie Albies take full batting practice Monday without any residual effects from broken toe, he thinks the 2B will be ready to play when eligible to come off the IL on Friday.

— David O'Brien (@DOBrienATL) April 23, 2024

Albies has been batting practice for the past two days and is set to be activated from the disabled list on Friday. While he may not play on Friday, he is certain to return shortly thereafter.

While Albies has undoubtedly been missed in the lineup, there is no reason to rush his return. During Albies’ absence, Luis Guillorme and David Fletcher have both done an adequate job at second base.

More Braves News:

The Braves defeated the Miami Marlins 5-0 on Tuesday, with Max Fried pitching his third Maddux.

A.J. Minter, a reliever, has achieved franchise records with 108 holds. He will hit free agency after the 2024 season, but he hopes to return to Atlanta to continue his legacy.

MLB News:

Tristan Casas, the Boston Red Sox’s first baseman, is anticipated to miss significant time due to a rib injury. The team has yet to specify a schedule for his return.

Merrill Kelly, the Arizona Diamondbacks’ right-hander, has been placed on the 15-day injured list due to a shoulder strain. Kelly, 35, is expected to be out for at least a month, according to the club.

Francisco Alvarez, the New York Mets’ catcher, is likely to miss about eight weeks after undergoing left thumb surgery. He is likely to return in July.

Robert Stephenson, a Los Angeles Angels reliever, is scheduled to have Tommy John surgery next week. He will miss the rest of 2024 and part of 2025.

DJ LeMahieu, a New York Yankees infielder, was withdrawn from his rehab start due to foot soreness. He’ll return to New York today for further evaluation.

The Chicago Cubs have placed Kyle Hendricks and Drew Smyly on the 15-day injured list. Hendricks suffered a lower back injury, while Smyly was diagnosed with a hip impingement.

The Washington Nationals have signed right-hander Jacob Barnes to replace Robert Garcia, who was placed on the disabled list due to influenza.

Miami Marlins left-hander Josh Simpson will have surgery on Tuesday to repair the ulnar nerve in his elbow. He is scheduled to miss three months.