Braves’ 2B Albies fractures his big toe

HOUSTON — Ozzie Albies fractured the big toe on his right foot, and the Braves placed him on the 10-day injured list, the club announced Tuesday.

The Braves selected the contract of David Fletcher, who began the season at Triple-A Gwinnett.

In Monday’s win over the Astros at Minute Maid Park, Albies was hit by a pitch in the second inning — which scored a run because the bases were loaded. Albies hobbled around in pain, but finished the rest of the game.

When Astros starter Spencer Arrighetti hit Albies with an 81 mph curveball, Albies fell to the ground. He got up, but gingerly walked around. Then he put his hands on his knees and bent over.

Albies played the rest of the game with a fractured toe. In his other atbats, Albies struck out, walked and singled. After he hit a single in the ninth inning, he ran the bases and eventually scored a few batters later. In the field, he showed no signs of injury.

On Tuesday against Houston righthander Hunter Brown, Braves manager Brian Snitker went with the lefthanding hitting Luis Guillorme at second base and batting eighth. Michael Harris II was batting second, which is where Albies usually hits in the order.

The injury is tough for the Braves, who have experienced some bad luck early in this season.

Days ago, Spencer Strider, the club’s ace, underwent season-ending elbow surgery to repair his UCL. And on opening day, Sean Murphy sustained an oblique strain.

Now, Albies is out. And you feel for the second baseman, who always plays hard. During his career, he’s dealt with a handful of injuries.

In 2020, Albies dealt with an ailing right wrist. He played in only 29 games in the shortened season.

In 2022, he fractured his foot, then broke a finger the day after returning. In the offseason after that, he underwent a clean-up procedure on his shoulder.

In Albies’ healthy seasons, he’s been among the best offensive second baseman in baseball. He’s a two-time Silver Slugger Award winner and a three-time All-Star at the position.

Twice, he has eclipsed the 30-homer, 100-RBI mark. He’s never hit fewer than 24 home runs over a full season.

And in the clubhouse, Albies is part of the Braves’ heart and soul. He leads by example. Guys gravitate toward him.

Now, the Braves will need to make do without him — however long that becomes.

The Braves acquired Fletcher over the offseason during the string of deals following the Jarred Kelenic acquisition. To deal infielder Evan White and his bad contract, the Braves had to take on Fletcher and catcher Max Stassi. The Braves dealt Stassi to the White Sox but kept Fletcher.

At the time, it appeared Fletcher may be the utility infielder for the major-league team — even after the Braves outrighted Fletcher off the 40-man roster. The team then signed Luis Guillorme, who occupies the utility infielder role.