Latest Braves injury could force Vaughn Grissom into action

The Atlanta Braves’ injury woes continued with Orlando Arcia getting hurt. Could this set the stage for Vaughn Grissom to play at shortstop?

The Atlanta Braves moved on from Dansby Swanson this past winter, opening the door for a new starting shortstop. Vaughn Grissom had all of the hype surrounding him, especially with third base coach Ron Washington praising him following workouts this offseason. But, after spring training, the team decided to go with veteran Orlando Arcia to be their starting shortstop for Opening Day, while sending Grissom to Triple-A Gwinnett.

But has the door opened up for Grissom to get some playing time at shortstop for the Braves?

During Atlanta’s series finale game against the Cincinnati Reds on Wednesday night, Orlando Arcia was hit in the left wrist by a 98 mph fastball thrown by starting pitcher Hunter Greene. After staying in the game, he was later removed. X-ray results came back negative for a fracture, per the team.

Braves: Does Orlando Arcia injury open the door for Vaughn Grissom?

For those wondering if this will open the door for Grissom to get called up, that will have to depend on the severity of Arcia’s injury. While x-ray’s were negative, we are sure Arcia will undergo further testing to see what Arcia is dealing with. But if he is to miss time, there is only one other shortstop on the depth chart and that is Ehire Adrianza, who replaced Arcia on Wednesday night.

Grissom started the season in Triple-A, and he has been crushing it. Through 10 games for the Stripers, Grissom recorded a .366 batting average, a .458 on-base percentage, a .585 slugging percentage, one home run, four RBI, eight runs scored, and 15 hits.

The Braves picked up the 5-4 victory over the Reds on Wednesday night after a go-ahead, solo home run in the bottom of the eighth inning.

Atlanta will have an off-day on Thursday, as they are traveling to Kansas City to take on the Royal for a three-game series, beginning on Friday. From there, Braves fans should get a better idea about whether Arcia will play, or if the team will call up Grissom.