Atlanta Braves slugger Marcell Ozuna, who was already struggling on the season, left the team’s game against the Boston Red Sox with an injury.
Ozuna and the Braves aren’t hitting their expectations so far this season, and it’s fair to wonder if they were a little overhyped heading into the year despite being just one game away from reaching the World Series in 2020. Alex Anthopoulos clearly didn’t make the necessary moves to improve this team in the offseason.
The veteran designated hitter slid hard into third base against the Boston Red Sox, and came up a little gimpy. The awkward slide forced Ozuna to leave the game entirely.
Marcell Ozuna leaves the game after suffering a hand/finger injury while sliding into third base.
— Bally Sports: Braves (@BravesOnBally) May 26, 2021
Stay tuned. pic.twitter.com/8YJyF4fGSJ
Ozuna had a finger on his left hand bend in a way it was not supposed to bend on a diving slide at third base. Taken to the training room, looked like it was dislocated. after he hit it on 3B's foot.
— David O'Brien (@DOBrienATL) May 26, 2021
Braves: Marcell Ozuna injury takes major power threat out of Atlanta lineup
Ozuna is hitting far below his career average, batting just .209 on the season. The .273 career hitter seems likely to rebound at some point this summer, but that won’t happen if he’s hampered by injury.
The Braves sit in third place in the NL East, but thanks to the Mets recent injury issues, are just one game behind New York for the division lead. They’re tied with the Phillies for second place.
The likes of Ozuna have not performed as well as the Braves have liked, but Austin Riley and Dansby Swanson — two surprise contributors — have more than made up for it.
Hopefully Ozuna starts to look like his former self soon.