BRAVES' OLDEST MINOR-LEAGUER PREDICTED TO IMPACT 2024 PLAYOFF CHASE

Despite all the setbacks they have suffered in 2024, one can simply never count out the Atlanta Braves.

Though they lost a 5-4 heartbreaker to the hated Philadelphia Phillies on Thursday night, the Braves have still had an excellent last two weeks, creating three games of separation for themselves in the Wild Card hunt. But the lineup still could use some added punch.

Unlike the 2023 Braves, who set records on their way to the best regular season record in baseball, this Braves lineup is full of holes. Without Ronald Acuña Jr., Ozzie Albies, or Austin Riley, the Braves have been barely more than league-average on offense this season.

Fortunately, help could still come before October, and possibly from an unlikely source.

On Friday, Bleacher Report's Joel Reuter predicted that Braves minor-league corner infielder Yuli Gurriel, who has not played in a major-league game in 2024, will earn a call-up to the Braves roster in September.

"The 40-year-old... has quietly hit .292/.378/.485 with 18 doubles, 12 home runs and 48 RBI in 75 games at Triple-A Gwinnett this season," Reuter said. "He could help bridge the gap to Riley's eventual return."

A two-time World Champion with the Houston Astros, Gurriel signed a minor-league deal with Atlanta this spring, following a subpar 2023 season with the Miami Marlins. As recently as 2021, Gurriel won the American League batting title, hitting .319 for Houston.

Gurriel hardly played any third base during his seven-year big-league career, but he has been getting some reps there in Gwinnett, ostensibly to help replace Riley, who has a hand fracture he suffered when he was hit by a 97-mile-per-hour fastball on Aug. 19.

Though Gurriel was placed on the minor-league injured list on Aug. 23, Reuter said the veteran's hamstring should be ready to go in time to play by the time rosters expand.

It would be an impressive comeback story if Gurriel were able to help the Braves with their playoff push. And the veteran just might have the big-game experience to step back in and produce at the major-league level.

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2024-08-30T17:12:56Z dg43tfdfdgfd