“It’s good to add a veteran guy like that,” Snitker said. “He plays second. He runs. He can play outfield, third. I think it’s a good option just for the versatility of it”
Acting quickly, the franchise signed the utilityman in response to Albies’ injury, which occurred during their 6-2 loss to the St. Louis Cardinals on Sunday.
Ahead of the injury, three-time All-Star Albies had eight homers, 46 RBIs and a .258 batting average with a .310 on-base percentage across 90 games.
The Phillies had signed Merrifield to a one-year, $8 million contract during the offseason.
Braves second baseman Ozzie Albies holds his wrist in the ninth inning on Sunday. AP
But across 53 games with the NL East leaders, the former Royal and Blue Jay hit just .199 with a 63 OPS-plus, netting -0.3 wins above replacement.
He had three homers and 11 RBIs on the season.
Despite the setbacks, the Braves (54-44) entered their series against the Reds in possession of the National League’s top wild-card team.
"Can't make it up."
Whit Merrifield arrived in Atlanta today after being signed to help cover injuries … then he gets injured taking a ball off a finger on his throwing hand while warming up. pic.twitter.com/b514rYkZ5j
While it will be difficult to catch the Phillies (63-36) for the division title, trailing by 8 1/2 games entering play Monday, especially with Albies out for an extended stretch, it’s safe to say the Braves wasted little time adding reinforcement to try to do so.
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