When Travis d’Arnaud got hurt last night on a play at the plate last night, it was pretty clear that it wasn’t going to be a day-to-day type of injury especially with the comments from manager Brian Snitker after the game. That was pretty quickly confirmed this morning when the Braves immediately put him on the 60 day IL with what was termed a left thumb sprain which, well, you don’t know if its just a minor sprain or something like that.
After the Braves’ loss to the Blue Jays on Sunday, we got some more clarity as to what is going on.
Travis d’Arnaud has a torn thumb ligament, will require surgery. #Braves hope/think they’ll have him back at some point late in season, but no certainty.
— David O’Brien (@DOBrienATL) May 2, 2021
Just an absolute bummer for d’Arnaud who was a revelation for the Braves in 2020 and who is highly regarded by his teammates and coaches alike. Anytime surgery is involved, there is usually a pretty intense rehab process and it seems like the repair that he is going to have to have is going to be extensive. The Braves are fortunate to have prospect William Contreras as an option to slot in as he is a well-regarded prospect and has real upside, but its never good news to have to throw a guy into the fire to learn on the fly while losing the catcher that has gotten the lion’s share of the reps behind the plate over the last year plus.
While the Braves are hopeful that TdA will be able to return this season, there is a chance that we have seen him play his last game as a Brave as he may not return this season and he is a free agent after the season. With Contreras and former top 10 draft pick Shea Langeliers progressing, d’Arnaud’s return to the field may very well be with a different club.
If you are looking for some good news, there was some as it was announced that Max Fried will indeed return from the injured list and will start for the Braves on Wednesday against the Nationals.
In 87 plate appearances this season, Travis has posted a .220/.253/.341 line with a pair of homers.
