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Atlanta Braves Micah Johnson Injures Wrist As Opening Day Approaches

By Jeff Schafer

Feb 27, 2017; Lakeland, FL, USA; Atlanta Braves second baseman Micah Johnson (2) scores on a double by Dansby Swanson (not pictured) during the first inning of a spring training baseball game against the Detroit Tigers at Joker Marchant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 27, 2017; Lakeland, FL, USA; Atlanta Braves second baseman Micah Johnson (2) scores on a double by Dansby Swanson (not pictured) during the first inning of a spring training baseball game against the Detroit Tigers at Joker Marchant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /
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Braves Johnson Hurts Wrist On Dive In The Outfield

The Atlanta Braves played their 17th game of the 2017 Spring Training on Tuesday afternoon, taking on the Philadelphia Phillies.  What followed was a beat down and possibly an injury that could change the opening day roster plans.

The Phillies destroyed the Braves on Tuesday, winning 9-0.  Aaron Blair started the game for the Braves and lasted four innings.  Blair allowed six hits, three runs, one walk and had three strikeouts.  He struggled a lot in the 2nd inning, giving up hits to four of the first five hitters of the inning and giving up three runs that inning.

In the bottom of the 5th inning, Phillies infielder Pedro Florimon hit a blooper into left field.  Micah Johnson came charging in to catch the ball and when he laid out, he landed awkwardly on his wrist.

After making the great catch, Johnson rolled around a few times on the ground in pain.  He threw down his glove and began to run into the dugout.  He was removed from the game and sent for x-rays on his wrist.

Initial reactions to this injury weren’t good.  By the look on Johnson’s face and how his wrist bent backwards, I started looking into who’s left in the free agency pool.

Yes, names like – Angel Pagan, Jeff Francoeur and Kelly Johnson popped immediately into mind.  But still other names are out there that could help the Braves in 2017.

These guys are probably out of the Braves price-zone, but players like Coco Crisp, Sam Fuld, Marlon Byrd, Cole Gillespie and Nolan Reimold are all still looking for homes in 2017.

Braves Received X-Rays

The Braves and Johnson, though, seemed to avoid a serious injury.  His x-rays came back negative according to the Braves Twitter page.

He’s got a sprain left wrist and is listed as day-to-day.  I’ve sprained my wrist before and it didn’t heal overnight.  Yes, the wrist isn’t fractured, but a sprained wrist can be a pain in the butt.

Braves manager Brian Snitker told reporters on Tuesday “He’s probably going to miss some time because when you’re talking about swinging a bat and you’re dealing with the wrist [it’s tough].  But the way he tumbled, I’m just glad he didn’t fracture anything.”

The Braves traded for the 26-year-old from the Dodgers on January 13, 2017 in exchange for a Player To Be Named Later and cash.  He’s expected to serve as a Braves utility man in 2017.  He can play second base and left field.

So far this spring he’s struggled…batting only .222 with one homer, one triple, 11 strikeouts and has been caught stealing twice.  Not exactly what the Braves are hoping for.

More from Braves News

Where Do The Braves Go From Here?

We’ve come to learn that you never know what you’re going to read Braves General Manager John Coppolella did.  A trade or a signing can pop out of nowhere at any time.  I’m still in the camp that thinks the Braves make either another signing or a trade prior to opening day.  Especially now that this has happened to Johnson.

Jace Peterson and Chase d’Arnaud are the only backup outfielders the Braves have on the 40-man roster.  Emilio Bonifacio is also an in-house option for the Braves.  Bonifacio has had a good spring so far batting .286 with two stolen bases.  Is he our best option though?

Cough, Angel Pagan, cough.

Braves have reportedly reached out to Pagan’s camp, but offered him only a minor league deal.  He’s looking for a major league deal — which is understandable.  He’s an 11-year veteran who shouldn’t have to compete for a job.

Next: Braves Prospect Trolls Teammate

The Braves have 13 more Spring Training games in 2017 and one exhibition games against the Yankees…then Opening Day and we’re off.  It’s going to be interesting to see what the Braves and Coppy decide to do before the year kicks off.  I thought the Braves would make a move before the Johnson injury and I think now, the chances increase a lot.

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