Whit Merrifield Update: Braves sign 3x All-Star to bolster outfield following Ozzie Albies' injury

The Atlanta Braves have added utility man Whit Merrifield to their roster following Ozzie Albies' injury. The Braves reportedly signed Merrifield on a one-year, $8 million contract to add depth to their lineup.

The 35-year-old's contract includes a $1 million buyout and an $8 million club option for the 2025 season. Merrifield has played 53 games for the Philadelphia Phillies this season, hitting .199 with a .572 OPS, three HRs, and 11 RBIs. He was released by the club on July 12th.

Merrifield's signing comes in the wake of Ozzie Albies' injury in Sunday's game against the St. Louis Cardinals. Albies suffered a left wrist injury while trying to apply a tag in the ninth inning, resulting in an early exit from the game.

The injury later turned out to be a fracture and the club moved him to the injured list. Albies played 90 games for the Braves this season, hitting .258, with a .717 OPS, eight home runs, and 46 RBIs.

Ozzie Albies' long absence could impact Braves season ahead

It has been an injury-prone season for the Braves. They have lost some of their top players to injuries, with the latest entrants being Max Fried and Ozzie Albies. The second baseman is set to be out for at least eight weeks with a fractured left wrist and can be expected to return around mid-September.

The 27-year-old being sidelined is not a good sign for the club. Albies and Ronald Acuna Jr. were the main guys who consistently reached the bases and brought energy early on in the game.

However, losing them both due to injuries will affect others like Austin Riley, Matt Olson, and Sean Murphy, who used to benefit from the top order's impactful start.

With Acuna Jr. already out, the team's last year's historic offense will be missing and now with Albies gone as well, things have gone a lot tougher. The team will now look to add reinforcements ahead of the trade deadline.