Braves rumors: Marcell Ozuna injury, bullpen trade to make, All-Star voting

Atlanta Braves rumors: What is the latest on the Marcell Ozuna injury?

We didn’t realize it was ominous at the time, but the Marcell Ozuna injury certainly put a damper on the evening that later went to hell in a hand basket, alright. Anytime a hitter gets drilled by a pitch in and around the hands, it is never a good thing. It is hard to have success in this game when your hands aren’t cooperating. Atlanta wisely decided to pull Ozuna from the game Monday night.

After the game, Braves manager Brian Snitker told Justin Toscano of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution that while Ozuna’s X-rays came back negative, he will undergo further testing. He cited that Ozuna didn’t have much strength in his hand, as illustrated by how much he struggled taking his protective batting guard off after getting hit. He is listed as day-to-day with a contusion.

What I anticipate will happen is Ozuna will not play in the final two games of the series at Detroit. The Braves will let the swelling go down before they potentially decide to place him on IL. Atlanta could potentially backdate it to June 13 if he is unable to go vs. the Colorado Rockies at home this weekend. Atlanta can overcome him going on IL, but it would be a shame since he has hit so well.

Ultimately, look for the outstanding backstop battery of Sean Murphy and Travis d’Arnaud to both be in the lineup, with one behind the plate and the other serving as the DH in the meantime. You may see one of Atlanta’s fourth or fifth outfielders get some playing time with Eddie Rosario potentially occupying the DH role. Keep in mind that Snitker does not use his bench all that much.

The good news is the X-rays came back negative, but the bad news is Ozuna needs further testing.