Whit

Merrifield

Merrifield officially hangs up his spikes after a nine-year career in the big leagues from 2016-2024. The 36-year-old went from unheralded prospect to a three-time All-Star with the Royals before spending the final three seasons of his career between the Blue Jays, Phillies and Braves. He steps away with 1,249 hits, 94 home runs and 218 stolen bases across 1,147 career games.

The Braves have already said that Albies would return and hit only right-handed so that he can get back onto the field sooner. If the 27-year-old is able to play without enough pain over the next couple of days, he could possibly return to the Braves this week. Bowman suggests that could shift Whit Merrifield to left field.

Albies, normally a switch-hitter, said he’ll be able to play within the next week, if the Braves let him. He thinks he’ll need just one rehab game. Apparently, he didn’t at all like Brian Snitker saying Friday that he was iffy for the rest of the season.

Merrifield suffered a fractured left foot last week. The fracture is still healing, but after a week off he’s willing to try to play through the injury. Merrifield is hitting .243 with one home run, three RBI and five stolen bases in 34 games since joining the Braves.

It’ll take longer than that for the fracture to heal, but it might be something he can play through in the meantime. Merrifield, who has been filling in for Ozzie Albies at second base, is hitting .243/.359/.342 in 34 games since joining the Braves. Luke Williams will step in for now, and the team could consider giving Nacho Alvarez Jr. a recall and a longer look.

Merrifield will get a CT scan to rule out a smaller fracture. Consider him day-to-day for now. Luke Williams could start at second base on Saturday.

Merrifield fouled a ball off his foot in the fifth before coming out for one more inning of defense. The veteran was returning tonight from a head injury, suffered on a HBP, that cost him the previous two games.

Braves manager Brian Snitker told reporters Merrifield is available off the bench for Thursday’s contest and could potentially return to the lineup on Friday night. The 35-year-old was hit in the head by a pitch earlier this week, but has apparently cleared concussion protocols, which is an extremely encouraging development.

Merrifield was hit in the back of the head by a pitch during Tuesday’s game against the Rockies. The 35-year-old will sit at least one game while recovering, and Luke Williams is going to get the start at second base while Merrifield recovers.

Merrifield was able to walk off the field on his own, and he hung around after the game to complain about the pitch. He said he’ll probably sit out Wednesday’s game. Luke Williams could start at second base then.