The Atlanta Braves have placed both Nick Markakis (fractured left wrist) and Dansby Swanson (right foot contusion) on the 10-day injured list. In a corresponding move, the Braves reinstated Max Fried from the IL and called up outfielder Adam Duvall from Triple-A Gwinnett.
#Braves roster moves and injury updates: pic.twitter.com/dV6HUiNVeP
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) July 27, 2019
Atlanta Braves Place Nick Markakis, Dansby Swanson on IL
Nick Markakis
Markakis fractured his left wrist in Friday’s game against the Philadelphia Phillies. The injury occurred in the sixth inning when he was hit by a pitch from Cole Irvin. Markakis stayed in the game to run the bases, but was replaced by Charlie Culberson in the bottom half of the inning.
Injuries have not been common for Markakis in his career. This stint on the injured list marks the first time he has been placed on the IL in his five seasons with the Braves. As a result, no player has played more games than Markakis in the last five years (740). He has also played at least 155 games in 11 of his first 13 seasons in the majors. The veteran outfielder is batting .284 with nine home runs and 55 RBI this season.
“We’ll see how it goes. … It doesn’t look good, but you never know.”
— Nick Markakis will have his wrist looked at Saturday after being hit by a pitch.@Braves | #ChopOn pic.twitter.com/rDmhiBNtin
— FOX Sports: Braves (@FOXSportsBraves) July 27, 2019
Dansby Swanson
After jamming his heel into a base during Tuesday’s 5-4 loss to the Kansas City Royals, Swanson has not played since. This injury comes as a major disappointment for the shortstop, as he is putting together the best season of his young career. In 431 plate appearances, Swanson has hit 17 home runs, driven in 57 runs, and has posted the best OPS since his rookie season (.798).
Tough Blow for Atlanta
Losing both Markakis and Swanson comes as an immense blow for the Braves. Atlanta will be optimistic that Swanson can get right after his 10-day stint and hopefully return to the lineup at full strength — but the main worry is Markakis. For the Braves, the hope is that the fracture can heal quickly, but more than likely Markakis has played the last game of his Braves career.
Atlanta will depend on Johan Camargo and Adam Duvall to suffice until either player returns, but Atlanta may decide to search for external options at the July 31st trade deadline.
Main Photo:
Embed from Getty Images