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Although he is far from MLB's flashiest player, the consistency demonstrated by Gio Urshela over the course of his career has made him an attractive asset for many clubs. Now, the veteran has found himself on his seventh team in nine seasons.
On August 20, Joel Sherman of the New York Post reported that Urshela is closing in on a deal with the Atlanta Braves. Purportedly a Major League deal, the news comes two days after Urshela was released by the Tigers.
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"The Braves are signing Gio Urshela" - Talkin' Baseball
On Monday, the Atlanta Braves announced that All-Star third baseman Austin Riley suffered a fractured hand, and will likely be out for the remainder of the season. Urshela, who has appeared in more games at third base than any other position, is Riley's ostensible replacement.
In February, the Colombian inked a one-year deal worth $1.5 million with the Detroit Tigers. After appearing in just 62 games during the 2022 season, many predicted a rebound season for the 32 year-old Gio Urshela.
However, it did not pan out that way. Despite the relative success of the Tigers this season, Urshela hit a mediocre .243/.286/.333 with 5 home runs and 37 RBIs over the course of 92 games. Detroit designated Urshela for assignment on August 16, and he was released two days later.
"Gio Urshela hits his 5th home run of the year. Dan Dickerson on the call #RepDetroit" - - Dan Dickerson Calls
Despite the step back this year, Urshela boasts a strong track record. A career .273 hitter who can play all around the infield, the 6-foot utility man's best season to date came in 2019 as a member of the New York Yankees, when he hit 21 home runs and 74 RBIs.
Gio Urshela represents solid emergency pickup for Atlanta
With the Braves still very much in the postseason race, Riley's exit from the year is devastating. However, while Urshela may not be the same calibre, he represents a solid bat, as well as experience. As analyst Eric Cole wrote for Fansided about the news:
"If he is cheap, Urshela has some upside at the plate and will probably be an adequate enough defender at third to at least help stop the bleeding for the Braves. At this point, that is all they can ask for."
The details of Gio Urshela's contract have not yet been made public, but if he can do his part to make up for the loss of Riley, it will likely be worth every penny.
