Braves promote promising prospect to replace injured Ozzie Albies

The Atlanta Braves are expected to recall shortstop prospect Nacho Alvarez on Monday to replace Ozzie Albies at second base, Braves MLB dot com reporter Mark Bowman reported.

This is Alavarez’s first major league call-up. His only appearances with the Braves so far have come during spring training.

Alvarez hasn’t played a single game at second base in his professional career. He’s played a few games at third base, but that’s it.

However, Bowman added that “Alvarez’s athleticism and instincts should allow him to make a quick transition to second base.”

After losing a key player to injured reserve, might as well find out if that’s the case.

Alvarez has shown major offensive upside in Triple-A. In 28 games with Gwinnett, Alvarez is hitting .336 with a 1.007 OPS, seven homers and 24 RBIs. It’s not a large sample size, but the Braves will embrace it and use it to their advantage.

Alvarez is the Braves Prospect #5 and their potential best position player. If he can contribute, he could earn a long-term spot with the Braves and potentially save the team from needing an additional trade at the deadline.

Albies expected to miss eight weeks

The Braves could expect to use Alvarez for an extended period. After X-rays, it was revealed that Albies suffered a fractured left wrist. He will miss the next eight weeks.

Albies left Sunday’s 6-2 loss to the St. Louis Cardinals in the ninth inning after Albies attempted to tag Cardinals center fielder Michael Siani.

Injuries continue to plague the Braves roster today, and even more so this season. Albies was the second player to go on the injured list Sunday after starting pitcher Max Fried was announced to have neuritis in his left forearm.