Atlanta Braves second base prospect Nacho Alvarez Jr. was sent down to Triple-A on Wednesday afternoon to make room for newly acquired outfielder Jorge Soler. Alvarez was promoted to the big league roster to fill in for the injured Ozzie Albies (wrist) but has had trouble adjusting to the majors. Through eight games, the number-five prospect in Atlanta posted a disappointing .100/.156/.100 slash line with no extra-base hits. Alvarez dominated Triple-A pitching earlier this summer and could get another opportunity in Atlanta fairly quickly if he picks up where he left off. In the short term, fantasy managers should expect Whit Merrifield and Luke Williams to hold down the keystone.
Atlanta Braves rookie infielder Ignacio Alvarez will start at second base and bat second for the Braves in his major-league debut on Monday for the start of a series against the visiting Cincinnati Reds and right-hander Hunter Greene. Alvarez was recalled from the minors to take the spot of Ozzie Albies, who will miss extended time with a fractured wrist. The 21-year-old middle infielder batted .293/.401/.417 with seven home runs and 21 steals in 334 plate appearances in the minors this year with Double-A Mississippi and Triple-A Gwinnett. The Braves' No. 5 prospect, per MLB Pipeline, deserves attention in NL-only leagues for his speed in the short term, but he could split playing time in the keystone in Atlanta with the recently signed Whit Merrifield for however long Albies is sidelined.
The Atlanta Braves are expected to promote infield prospect Ignacio Alvarez on Monday from Triple-A Gwinnett according to MLB.com's Mark Bowman. Alvarez, the No. 5 prospect for the Braves, has played mostly shortstop in the minors but should slide over to second base to fill in for Ozzie Albies who is expected to miss eight weeks with a fractured left wrist. The 21-year-old has hit .293 with seven homers and 39 RBI to go with 21 stolen bases across two levels of the minors this year. In 28 games with Triple-A Gwinnett, the right-handed hitter, is even better at .336 over 28 games with all seven of his home runs and 24 RBI. Alvarez is ready for his chance in the spotlight and should be scooped up in all fantasy leagues. He is in a good lineup and has plenty of prospect pedigree to provide an immediate impact.
Atlanta Braves infield prospect Ignacio Alvarez launched his first Triple-A home run on Thursday evening. "Nacho" Alvarez made his Triple-A debut on Wednesday, and it has taken him just two games to make a splash at the top level in the minor leagues. The former 2022 draft pick has progressed through the minor leagues very quickly and is now just one stop away from the majors. The 21-year-old made his Double-A debut at the start of this season and posted a solid .265/.381/.312 line with 15 RBI and 16 swiped bases in 48 games. Last season, he spent the entire campaign with High-A and stole a similar 16 bases with seven home runs in 116 games. Alvarez is now a name to closely monitor as he could make a push for a major league debut in the second half of the season if he carries this momentum into Triple-A.
Nacho Alvarez Jr.
• SS
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Braves
