Braves add Whit Merrifield as Ozzie Albies heads to the IL

The Braves are losing Ozzie Albies due to a fractured wrist for at-least 8 weeks, an injury that could last into the postseason, and to improve their infield depth are making a pair of moves, not only calling up top infield prospect Nacho Alvarez, but also adding reserve infielder and 3-Time All Star Whit Merrifield

Whit Merrifield made the All Star team three times, twice with the Kansas City Royals in 2019 and 2021, and once with the Toronto Blue Jays in 2023. Merrifield spent the early portion of this current season with the Phillies, but was DFA'd on July 12.

It's expected that Nacho Alvarez will be given the first opportunity, but due to his inexperience at 2nd Base, he's only played shortstop and 3rd while with the Braves, the team may give both Alvarez and Merrifield a chance.