Braves' Nacho Alvarez: Set as starter at hot corner
Rotowire
Alvarez will be Atlanta's starting third baseman for the rest of the season after Austin Riley (abdomen) underwent season-ending surgery, Mark Bowman of MLB.com reports.
While manager Brian Snitker suggested that in the long run Alvarez might be better suited to a utility role, the 22-year-old will get a chance to change that impression over the final month-plus of the season. Through 91 plate appearances in the majors this year, Alvarez is slashing .247/.330/.309 with zero homers or steals, but he did hit 10 home runs and steal 10 bags with an .861 OPS over 64 Triple-A contests in 2024.
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Braves' Nacho Alvarez: Idle for nightcap
Rotowire
Alvarez isn't in the lineup for the second game of Saturday's doubleheader against Miami.
After striking out in all four of his trips to the plate during Game 1, Alvarez will remain on the bench for the final half of Saturday's festivities. Luke Williams will get the nod to start at third base instead and bat eighth.
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Braves' Nacho Alvarez: Included in Friday's lineup
Rotowire
Alvarez (side) will start at third base and bat eighth Friday against the Marlins.
Alvarez has evidently turned the page on the side soreness that cropped up during Wednesday's contest. Since replacing Austin Riley (abdomen) on Atlanta's active roster, Alvarez has gone 3-for-10 with a pair of doubles and five strikeouts.
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Braves' Nacho Alvarez: Replacing injured Riley on roster
Rotowire
Atlanta recalled Alvarez from Triple-A Gwinnett on Monday.
Alvarez will head back to the big leagues after third baseman Austin Riley was placed on the 10-day injured list for the second time in just over three weeks due to a strained lower abdominal muscle. During Riley's first stint on the IL, Alvarez impressed defensively but slashed just .200/.250/.233 with a 1:9 BB:K, two runs and no RBI in eight games. He should settle back in as the team's primary option at the hot corner while Riley is out, but fantasy expectations for the 22-year-old should be low, given his struggles in his prior stint in the majors.
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Braves' Nacho Alvarez: Returns from IL
Rotowire
Alvarez (oblique) has been activated from the 7-day injured list and is part of Triple-A Gwinett's starting lineup Friday.
Alvarez has been sidelined since June 26 due to a strained oblique, but he's been cleared to return to game action. The 22-year-old is slashing .417/.580/.611 in 50 plate appearances with Gwinnett this season.
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Braves' Nacho Alvarez: Expects to return soon
Rotowire
Alvarez said Saturday that his left wrist is feeling better and believes he can return to game action within the next couple of days, Mark Bowman of MLB.com reports.
Alvarez tweaked his wrist after striking out swinging during the first inning of Thursday's contest, but he doesn't seem to be dealing with anything serious. The 21-year-old infielder is battling for a spot on Atlatna's bench after slashing .297/.398/.463 with 42 RBI and 10 steals across 64 Triple-A games last season.
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Braves' Nacho Alvarez: Removed with wrist injury
Rotowire
Alvarez was removed from Thursday's Grapefruit League game against the Nationals due to left wrist discomfort.
Alvarez was wincing after he struck out swinging during his at-bat in the first inning, and he was replaced in the field the bottom of the frame. Atlanta will likely take a closer look at him and offer an update on his status in the near future.
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Braves' Nacho Alvarez: Shakes off illness
Rotowire
Alvarez (illness) has appeared in Triple-A Gwinnett's last four games, going 8-for-17 with two home runs, two walks, two stolen bases, six RBI and six runs.
Alvarez missed five days' worth of action while recovering from a bout with pneumonia, but he's shown no signs of being slowed down by the illness since rejoining the Gwinnett lineup. Though Alvarez struggled mightily in his first exposure to the majors back in July, he's continued to wield a hot bat at Gwinnett since making the jump to the International League in June. Over 199 plate appearances at Triple-A, Alvarez is slashing .311/.422/.521 with nine home runs and eight stolen bases.
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Braves' Nacho Alvarez: Sent down after rough start
Rotowire
Atlanta optioned Alvarez to Triple-A Gwinnett on Wednesday.
Alvarez got regular run at second base after Ozzie Albies (wrist) landed on the injured list, but he went just 3-for-30 with a 10:0 K:BB over eight games. Atlanta now appears prepared to go with Whit Merrifield (finger) as its regular at the keystone while Albies is shelved.
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Braves' Nacho Alvarez: Call-up official
Rotowire
Atlanta selected Alvarez's contract from Triple-A Gwinnett on Monday.
The 21-year-old will reach the big leagues for the first time after he slashed .293/.401/.417 with seven home runs and 21 stolen bases across 334 plate appearances between Gwinnett and Double-A Mississippi. Alvarez has played shortstop and third base during his minor-league career, but his athleticism and defensive instincts should allow him to emerge as an option at second base while Ozzie Albies (wrist) is sidelined, likely until the second half of September. Atlanta signed veteran utility player Whit Merrifield to also provide depth at second base, but Alvarez should get the first chance to fill in for Albies.
