DEAL SIGNED: Atlanta Brave GM Alex Anthopoulos Has Officially Completed The Signing Of Former Toronto Blue Jays Most Experienced Star To Replace Whit Merrifield In a Tactical And Blockbuster Trade

Atlanta Braves infielder Whit Merrifield has had a difficult few weeks. First, Merrifield was hit on the head, and he made a point of calling out every pitcher in baseball.

“The guys are throwing as hard as they can and don’t care where the ball lands. It’s driving me crazy, and I detest where the game is right now with that,” Merrifield said.

Merrifield fractured his foot just a few days later, but he hopes to return next weekend. Merrifield’s initial diagnosis was up to six weeks, but everything changed after he met a foot specialist.

“When they saw the CT scan and saw the small fracture, they knew it was six to eight weeks,” manager Brian Snitker explained. “Then they spoke with the foot specialist, who stated, ‘He’s not going to harm it anymore. “It’s about what he can take.”

The goal will be to keep the swelling in Merrifield’s foot under control, which is easier said than done. Merrifield, on the other hand, anticipates a quick return.

“It is a stable fracture,” Merrifield explained. “So, we will endeavour to reduce the soft tissue and swelling. From what I hear, it’s simply a matter of pain tolerance after that.
The Braves immediately signed a Whit Merrifield backup plan, and for good cause.

Over the weekend, Atlanta executed a modest trade to acquire Cavan Biggio, who had previously played for the Toronto Blue Jays and the San Francisco Giants. Biggio will start in Triple-A Gwinnett to get experience, but if Merrifield is unable to heal or struggles when hurried back, the Braves will have a backup plan at second base.

Merrifield’s OPS in 34 games with the Braves is.243/.359/.342, which is somewhat higher than the league average of.700. Atlanta’s infield depth has been challenged all year, particularly at second base following Ozzie Albies’ injury.

Biggio isn’t a game changer, but he should be able to man the position and bat near the bottom of the lineup for a team that shouldn’t rely on players like Merrifield or Biggio in the first place.

According to Brian Snitker, Luke Williams and Eli White will take over at second base for the time being until Merrifield or Biggio return.