Atlanta Braves infield prospect Nacho Alvarez Jr. (wrist) has been placed on the 10-day injured list. Alvarez injured his wrist at the end of February, and it wasn't thought that he would be out of action for very long, but it appears to be taking longer than expected. The former 2022 fifth-round draft pick has ascended quickly through the minors due to his excellent contact skills and ability to draw walks. The right-handed hitter owns a career 16.6 percent strikeout rate in the minors and a 14.2 percent walk rate to go along with a .284/.399/.396 slash line over 1114 plate appearances (258 games). From June 14 through July 21 last season (26 games), Alvarez hit .346 with six home runs, six doubles, and five stolen bases, prompting a call-up to the big league club. The debut did not last long after going 3-for-30 (.100) over his first eight games. With Ozzie Albies and Austin Riley healthy, there's no need to rush him back to the majors, but he can handle shortstop as well, so we'll see how much longer the Braves deal with Orlando Arcia's offensive ineffectiveness. When the 22-year-old gets the call again this season, he would be worth a bench stash in deeper leagues in the event he puts it together in the majors in his second go-round.
Atlanta Braves infield prospect Nacho Alvarez Jr. (wrist) is expected to return soon. Alvarez suffered this minor wrist injury during Thursday's spring training contest. However, seeing that he is already nearing a return, suggest the injury was not very serious. Last season, the 21-year-old made his MLB debut. Across his first eight contests in Atlanta, he posted a .100/.156/.100 slash line. However, at Triple-A, the infielder showcased elite contact skills as he posted a .297/.398/.463 slash line with nine doubles and 10 home runs. He swiped 10 bags and held a strong 37:45 BB:K rate across 64 contests. Earlier in the season, Alvarez posted a .265/.381/.312 line in 48 games at Double-A. When healthy, the infielder should compete for a depth role in the Atlanta infield.
Nacho Alvarez Jr. Exits Thursday's Game With Wrist Injury
Atlanta Braves infielder Nacho Alvarez Jr. (wrist) was lifted from Thursday's contest due to discomfort in his left wrist. Alvarez expressed pain when he struck out in the opening frame. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status as the team will likely provide an update in the coming days. Alvarez made his MLB debut last summer. Across an eight-game stint, the 21-year-old held a .100/.156/.100 line with just three total hits and 10 strikeouts. However, at the Triple-A level, the infielder showed strong contact skills as he posted a .297/.393/.463 line with nine doubles, 10 home runs, and 10 stolen bases. He held a 37:45 BB:K ratio. When cleared to return, fantasy managers should expect Alvarez to compete for a role on the Opening Day roster. However, given his lack of success in his first MLB stint, he will likely open the campaign at Triple-A.
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.
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Braves
