With Vaughn Grissom in the Mix, What Happens When Ozzie Returns?

We’ve only seen one game from Vaughn Grissom, but fans are already wondering how he fits on this Braves team once Ozzie Ablies returns. 

The hype machine for Vaughn Grissom is soaring after just one game in the big leagues. Understandably so for kid who has hit at every level in the minors and then slugs a home run over the Green Monster for his first big league hit.

While expectations need to be brought down a little, it’s hard not to think about the possibilities of keeping him in the lineup whenever Ozzie Albies returns.

The timeline for Ozzie’s return continues to get pushed back with that latest report saying he may not return until early-to-mid September.

Initially, we were hoping the All-Star second baseman could return from his fractured foot in mid-to-late August.

Now you have to wonder if he will return at all, and if he does, how long will it take him to shake off the rust? He was off the worst start of his career before the injury.

Still, if Ozzie Albies is healthy, he plays second base for the Braves every day.

If Vaugn Grissom hits, then what?

A lot of fans are already speculating on what the lineup could look like once Ozzie returns if Vaughn Grissom hits.

And that is the key, Vaughn Grissom has to hit in order to warrant keeping him on the roster down the stretch and even into the postseason.

But let’s say he does, the most likely scenario could be that he and Albies split time between DH and second base.

With Ozzie not expected back until September, and with the severity of his foot injury, it might be best to keep him off his feet as much as possible — leading to opportunities for Grissom to get some start at second.

Marcell Ozuna should already be replaced as the primary DH. If Grissom shows to be a more consistent hitter, then should be no problem replacing him there.

Some have made the suggestion to put Grissom in left field. That seems unfair to move a young kid out there in the middle of a postseason push.

That might be the plan long-term if the Braves re-sign Dansby Swanson, but it’s hard to imagine them making that move right now.

Bottom line, if the kid hits, the Braves and Brian Snitker have to find a way to keep him in the lineup even when Ozzie Albies returns.