As stated in the report heard here previously, Gio Urshela’s move to the Atlanta Braves is now finalized.
The #Braves today signed INF Gio Urshela to a major league contract and placed INF Austin Riley on the 10-day injured list with a broken right hand, retroactive to August 19. To make room on the 40-man roster, Atlanta placed AJ Minter on the 60-day injured list.
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) 20 August 2024
Urshela, a veteran of six major league teams, added a seventh team today as he signed a major league contract with the Braves. Gio was released by the Tigers the same day as Riley’s HBP and injury and was quickly linked to a move to the Braves. Justin Toscano reports he will be available for tonight’s game with the Phillies.
Gio Urshela will be active in Tuesday’s series opener against the Phillies.
— Justin Toscano (@JustinCToscano) 20 August 2024
Gio brings a career line of .273/.318/.412 with a 99 wRC+ mark and 7.4 WAR. At this point, he’s about replacement level for an organization that’s been forced to take a lot of replacement players. He bats right-handed and brings 69 career home runs to Atlanta. Hopefully, he’ll get comfortable with the Chop House very soon.
Look, we have what we have. Whit Merrifield can’t take over third base until Ozzie Albies comes back. I don’t think the organization is interested in moving Matt Olson to third base and putting Marcell Ozuna at first base, and even if they were, he probably wouldn’t be physically healthy enough to man the DH position. Gio will be fine and will help the Braves stay afloat until the injuries hopefully subside.
