The Braves have gotten off to a solid start in 2023 — they have the best record in the NL thanks to a ton of production from unexpected pieces. Unfortunately, they’ll be without one of those players for the foreseeable future as Orlando Arcia heads to the IL.
Orlando Arcia was having a career year, and with something that seems to happen often for the Braves, he’s going to miss some time after being hit by a pitch on his hand. We already knew that Ian Anderson was expected to go under the knife this week, and we wish him a speedy recovery.
The Braves have what feels like half of their Opening Day roster on the IL, including Ace Max Fried and 2022 NL Rookie Of the Year Michael Harris II. Hopefully, Arcia doesn’t miss too much time, but Vaughn Grissom — who has been terrorizing AAA pitching — is expected to be called up to replace him.
Grissom exploded on the scene last year in 41 games for the Braves. He finished with a .291 average and five long balls, good for a .792 OPS, and was expected to take over for Dansby Swanson at shortstop this season. To the surprise of many, the club rolled with Orlando Arcia, letting Grissom get more seasoning in Gwinnett.
Well, he’s going to be tested early. He’s not in the lineup for the Stripers and could be here as soon as Friday for the game in Kansas City against the Royals. Grissom has a 1.043 OPS over 41 at-bats with the Stripers; let’s hope he continues tearing the cover off the ball.
Additionally, Oakland claimed Richard Lovelady off waivers, which freed up a 40-man roster spot for the Braves.
Lovelady didn’t have a very long stint with the Braves; he didn’t make an appearance in Atlanta after being claimed off waivers earlier this month.
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