This spring, the Atlanta Braves have done a fantastic job of avoiding injuries.
The Braves have only had to deal with mild pain and Ronald Acuña Jr.’s inflamed meniscus, while other divisional teams are dealing with several injuries to important players in Grapefruit League play.
Up until today, that is, until Orlando Arcia, the starting shortstop, was hit by a pitch on his right hand and had to leave the game.
Arcia was facing reliever Chase Shugart of the Boston Red Sox when he was struck by a 96-mph fastball. Ambioris Tavares, a pinch runner, replaced Arcia at first base.
Of course, the hope is that Arcia won’t sustain any serious injuries. The substitution itself isn’t all that shocking, since Atlanta has been switching out starters for backups in the fifth inning; earlier in the inning, Ozzie Albies and Ronald Acuña Jr. were both replaced.
But, given Atlanta’s current lack of depth in the infield, it’s still concerning that Arcia would miss time. If Arcia were to suffer an injury, utilityman Luis Guillorme would be the first man to come in to close out a game at shortstop, but it is unlikely that he would be the regular starter.
Both Andrew Velazquez and David Fletcher are in camp competing for the last bench place. In the unlikely event that Arcia missed any substantial time with Atlanta, it is thought that one of the two would be the team’s regular shortstop.
For now, though, all we can do is wait for word from Braves officials regarding Arcia’s status. And we’ll be crossing our fingers.