Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports

Orlando Arcia Leaves Game After Being Hit by Pitch

Originally posted on FanNation Braves Today
By Lindsay Crosby | Last updated 3/17/24

The Atlanta Braves have done a good job of avoiding injuries this spring.

While other divisional teams are seeing plenty of injuries to key contributors in Grapefruit League action, the Braves have been mostly fine, with just Ronald Acuña Jr's irritated meniscus and some soreness to deal with.

Until today, when starting shortstop Orlando Arcia was removed from today's game after being hit by a pitch on the right hand or wrist.

Arcia, facing Boston Red Sox reliever Chase Shugart, was hit by a 96-mph fastball and was awarded first base, immediately being replaced by pinch-runner Ambioris Tavares.

Orlando Arcia exits the game after being HBP on the hand/wrist. pic.twitter.com/DJXJdR4ZIG
— Baseball GIFs (@gifs_baseball) March 17, 2024

Obviously, the hope here is that Arcia can avoid significant injury. The substitution itself isn't that surprising, as the fifth inning is typically where Atlanta's been taking out the starters and rotating in the backups; both Ozzie Albies and Ronald Acuña Jr. were replaced earlier in that same inning.

But it's still scary that Arcia could potentially miss time, as Atlanta's infield depth is lacking at the moment. Utilityman Luis Guillorme would be the first go-to for finishing a game at shortstop, but it's not believed that he would be an everyday starter were Arcia to go down.

David Fletcher and Andrew Velazquez are both in camp, vying for the final bench spot. It's believed that one of the two would be an everyday starter at shortstop were Atlanta to miss Arcia to any significant time.

But for the moment, we're just waiting for word from Braves officials on what to expect from Arcia. And we'll have our fingers crossed.

This article first appeared on FanNation Braves Today and was syndicated with permission.

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