Fletcher move clears way for Albies’ return

The Braves on Thursday outrighted infielder David Fletcher to Triple-A Gwinnett.

The move clears the way for the team to reinstate second baseman Ozzie Albies (fractured toe) from the 10-day injured list today ahead of the series opener with Cleveland. Twice this week, Braves manager Brian Snitker said Albies probably could have played if he were eligible to do so.

But after hitting the injured list April 16, his 10 days won’t be up until today. It appears he’ll miss the minimum amount of time, which is the best-case scenario after he was hit by a pitch in the April 15 series opener against the Astros.

In recent days, Albies has worked out on the field and has taken batting practice. He also has run the bases. He’s moving around well.

Fletcher went 2-for-8 with two RBIs in Albies’ absence. He split time with Luis Guillorme.

Fletcher is an interesting case. He’ll now have a few days to decide whether to accept the outright assignment and stay in the organization or become a free

agent.

In the last week, Fletcher eclipsed five years of MLB service time, which means he can elect free agency without losing any of the money in the five-year, $26 million contract extension he signed with the Angels in 2021. Heading into this year, Fletcher was due $14 million through next season. (This assumes that his $8 million club option for 2026 will be declined.)

Last season, the Angels twice outrighted Fletcher. The Braves did it again after they acquired him. And because Fletcher had been

previously outrighted, he could have rejected either of the two final assignments. But he wouldn’t have kept all of the money on his deal because he hadn’t yet reached five years of service time.

With Albies down, Fletcher compiled the final handful of days.

Perhaps he’ll stay. The Braves, after all, give Fletcher a great chance to win. But who knows whether he’d be on their major league roster?

We’ll know Fletcher’s decision soon. And today, the Braves will get back their All-Star second baseman.

CHARLIE NEIBERGALL/AP Braves infielder David Fletcher (right) was 2-for-8 with two RBIs while replacing Ozzie Albies. Albies should return from the injured list today.