The Atlanta Braves may be forced to shake up their lineup plans as designated hitter Marcell Ozuna continues to battle a lingering right hip injury. Initially believed to be inflammation, the issue has since been revealed to be a tear, significantly impacting Ozuna’s mobility and ability to rotate fully during his swing. The slugger disclosed recently that his hip is “kind of shut down,” a startling admission considering his central role in Atlanta’s offense this season.
Ozuna has been a steady offensive force for the Braves, slashing .284/.427/.474 through 55 games with 10 home runs, 25 RBIs, and a league-leading 48 walks. His exceptional plate discipline and on-base presence have helped stabilize an otherwise inconsistent Braves lineup. However, the injury appears to be taking a toll on his power numbers, as his extra-base hit production has dipped notably in recent weeks.
The Braves, already struggling to produce runs—ranking just 20th in MLB in that category—are in a tight spot. With Ronald Acuña Jr. out for the season and Matt Olson and Austin Riley also underperforming, Ozuna’s injury couldn’t come at a worse time. Manager Brian Snitker has experimented with various lineup adjustments, including promoting rookie catcher Drake Baldwin and rearranging the batting order, but the results have been mixed.
There is now a growing concern within the organization about whether to rest Ozuna or continue playing him through the pain. While his offensive numbers remain strong, the risk of aggravating the injury looms large. A stint on the injured list could help him recover but would further weaken a lineup already lacking firepower. On the other hand, continuing to play him may limit his effectiveness and exacerbate the condition.
Upcoming series against the Diamondbacks, Giants, and Brewers will test the Braves’ depth and flexibility. If Ozuna’s condition worsens or his production declines further, the team may have no choice but to explore short-term replacements or call up additional support from Triple-A. It’s a difficult decision that will require balancing long-term health with short-term performance, especially with the Braves trailing the division-leading Mets by over nine games.
Ultimately, Ozuna’s injury is a stark reminder of the physical toll the game takes and the razor-thin margins teams must manage over a long season. The Braves’ playoff hopes may hinge on whether they can weather this latest setback and find new contributors to step up in their All-Star slugger’s absence—or limited presence.
