Ozzie Albies returns at perfect time for Braves’ postseason push

Ozzie Albies is making his triumphant return to the Atlanta Braves lineup this weekend.

After missing three months of action because of a broken leg, Ozzie Albies’ return to the Atlanta Braves lineup is exactly what the reigning World Series champions needed in their postseason push, as well as in their title defense.

Albies had been rehabbing with Triple-A Gwinnett of late. He was recalled up to the big-league roster on Friday morning after being reinstated from the injured list. As far as the corresponding moves are concerned, right-handed relief pitcher Jay Jackson was designated for assignment, while infielder Ehire Adrianza was placed on the 10-day injury list with a strained left quadricep.

The switch-hitter should bat in the heart of Atlanta’s order and play second base for the Braves.

Obviously, the Braves could not be happier about the Silver Slugger’s return to the starting lineup.

Of course, this move makes the Braves’ loaded roster even deeper and all the more menacing.

Atlanta Braves: Ozzie Albies’ return to big-league roster comes at a perfect time

While Atlanta more than treaded water with Albies being down for the count with Orlando Arcia taking over initially and then rookie sensation Vaughn Grissom rising to the occasion when Arcia suffered his hamstring injury, the Braves are a better team with Albies in the lineup. Defensively, he has an outstanding rapport with shortstop Dansby Swanson. Plus, Albies has awesome power.

Even if the leg is not 100 percent, Albies’ return takes pressure off other key players on the roster. Swanson, first baseman Matt Olson and third baseman Austin Riley do play every day, so the wear and tear of the season is a real thing. Grissom’s bat and overall athleticism will keep him on the roster going forward. He may have to start playing some left field now that Albies is officially back.

Albies’ return also will provide his best buddy Ronald Acuña Jr. some more relief as he grinds through the rest of the season on a tired knee. Acuña can still DH and play the occasional right field, as well as get a few off-days in between to recover and try to stay fresh. Albies’ return also helps alleviate the burden of Robbie Grossman and Eddie Rosario now having to play every day.

While it does not seem like Atlanta is going to cut ties with Marcell Ozuna just yet, his playing time will be even further diminished upon Albies’ reinsertion into the lineup. If he is healthy enough to play, then Albies will play. This also forces manager Brian Snitker’s hand into finding new and creative ways to get Grissom into the lineup. It also helps the catching tandem get a breather, too.

One of the best teams in baseball just got back one of its best players for the stretch run.