Following a string of earlier reports regarding the hamstring injury sustained by Braves outfielder Ender Inciarte yesterday, the team has officially placed him on the 10-day injured list. Gabriel Burns of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution shares that Inciarte is expected to be out 4-6 weeks after an MRI scan revealed a strain of the Grade 2 variety (link). Outfielder Adam Duvall has been recalled from Triple-A Gwinnett to take Inciarte’s place on the active roster.
2019 has been a hard-luck season for Inciarte so far: it was just four weeks ago that the defensively gifted outfielder was activated after missing 55 games with an injury to the lumbar region in his torso. Since that activation, Inciarte had rebounded with a .293 batting average and 15 RBI in 90 plate appearances. Though his contact-and-defense profile has never been a glamorous one, Inciarte’s absence is sure to cause frustration for a Braves team already thoroughly bitten by injury bugs.
While the Braves hold a 4.5 game lead on their NL East counterparts, the team has had a hard time keeping key players on the field in recent weeks. After injuries to Nick Markakis and Austin Riley, Inciarte’s month-plus departure will reduce Atlanta’s grass patrol to Ronald Acuna Jr., Matt Joyce, Charlie Culberson, Rafael Ortega, and the just-promoted Duvall–a rather thin crew after the talented sophomore from Venezuela.
Braves fans may have hoped that an Inciarte injury would, at least on the bright side, result in the promotion of one of Cristian Pache or Drew Waters, but Atlanta will turn instead to the veteran Duvall as a depth fill-in. After being acquired from the Reds last year, the Braves tendered a $2.875MM salary to the battle-tested slugger this offseason. He’s spent the majority of 2019 in Triple-A but has been a roughly league-average hitter when called upon in 19 MLB games this year (.250/.297/.500 slash line and 99 wRC+). Inciarte’s injury will also precipitate a temporary move back to center field for Acuna Jr., per Burns’ report.
Good. Part of me was kinda hoping for Waters but o well. This was the expected move
How can you say “Good.”? The guy got injured and he was playing well since returning from his injury. Plus he provides a gold glove at Center. I understand frustration is mounting with the Braves, but aim that at the bullpen, not someone who has actually shown some heart and has produced positive results.
milb.com/roster/index.jsp?sid=t431 Luda and LaMarre can play OF but not on 40 man.
You mean Lucas Duda and no he can’t play anywhere other than 1st base. LaMarre doesn’t belong in the big leagues.
did you see lamarre last year? he should have a bench gig over Joyce.
LF.
@darkside you can’t be a Braves’ fan. Joyce has been great.
Joyce is no different from Charlie Culberson. The more they start, the more they get exposed. Not to discredit their overall importance to the Braves, but they are not everyday players. Whether it is LaMarre, Joyce, CC…they are all weak.
Loved his comment to Wingert all I was thinking is I gotta score. Very nice!
I gained a lot of respect for Inciarte after yesterday.
Great news he will come back this season.
Bad news, the team will be out of first by that point.
Ender is the heart of the Braves defense and he is irreplaceable. While Duvall doesn’t belong in the big leagues and the Braves might as well wave the white flag. They will not hold onto 1st place with the rag tag likes of Duvall, Ortega and Hechavarria.
Don’t forget, the Braves still have 2020 and they are guaranteed to win the division and the WS. Their top prospects are only guaranteed to become hall of famers. Just be patient because everything will go the Braves way while the rest of their division will just watch and do nothing. The Braves have no holes to fill in the offseason. just plug in prospects. Simple!
I see you’re still bitter you got fired Coppy
The Phillies did plenty in the offseason. They’re 4 games worse than they were this time last year. Let them make their moves. Look at the upcoming free agents. Everyone good is signing an extension (unless they’re on the nationals). Instead of just focusing on the Braves problems, look at everyone else’s.
Um, he’s replaceable and he’s not the heart of any part of the team.
Our God has not abandoned us! HE will not leave us or forsake us.