Braves: Vaughn Grissom success brings up tough Ozzie Albies question

Atlanta Braves fans are wondering what happens to Vaughn Grissom once Ozzie Albies returns.

He may have only just joined the big-league club, but Vaughn Grissom has quickly become a fan favorite in Braves Country.

Grissom was called up after Orlando Arcia pulled his hamstring in the first of two games vs. the Boston Red Sox. He went yard and a stole a base in his Atlanta Braves debut. But despite being the organization’s top prospect, Atlanta does have an All-Star working his way back from a broken foot who typically mans second base in Ozzie Albies. It is a good problem to have, but what to do…

Jake Mastroianni of Tomahawk Take gave us a look into the future if Grissom does indeed hit.

"“A lot of fans are already speculating on what the lineup could look like once Ozzie returns if Vaughn Grissom hits,” wrote Mastroianni. “And that is the key, Vaughn Grissom has to hit in order to warrant keeping him on the roster down the stretch and even into the postseason.”"

Mastroianni is absolutely right in that this is only an argument to be had if Grissom does hit.

Atlanta Braves: What happens to Vaughn Grissom once Ozzie Albies returns?

Assuming Grissom’s time in Atlanta goes as well as it has for his former minor-league teammates Michael Harris II in centerfield and Spencer Strider in the back-end of the rotation, he will likely split time with Albies at second base and serve as a designated hitter. Austin Riley, Dansby Swanson and Matt Olson are must-starts at their infield positions every day if they are healthy.

However, this move limits the effectiveness of Atlanta’s elite catching tandem of All-Stars Travis d’Arnaud and William Contreras. It also renders Marcell Ozuna and his albatross of a contract largely useless. Although Grissom could learn how to play left field to help keep his bat in the lineup, it is too much to ask a rookie infielder to learn how to play a new position in September.

It should be noted that d’Arnaud is still beat up after getting mauled by Polar Bear Pete Alonso in a New Found Glory head-on collision at the plate two series ago. Outfielder Eddie Rosario has only recently returned from dealing with his eye injury. In short, the reigning World Series champions are far from fully healthy in mid-August. As it is only fitting, these things will sort themselves out.

If Grissom can really hit, he will have a place on the Braves’ roster far beyond the Sept. 1 call-ups.