Nacho Alvarez Leads Braves into Arizona Fall League in Quest for Redemption
The Atlanta Braves are gearing up for the Arizona Fall League, sending a promising roster of seven players, with infielder Nacho Alvarez Jr. at the forefront. After a challenging season marred by injury, Alvarez is eager to make the most of this opportunity to regain lost momentum.
Aiming for Recovery After Injury
Alvarez, who has seen significant action in the Major Leagues this year, is looking to capitalize on the Fall League to compensate for the at-bats he missed while recovering from a wrist injury. As of the Braves’ series finale against the Cubs, he holds a batting average of .245, with a .642 OPS, lacking home runs but contributing nine RBIs. This stint in Arizona could be pivotal for him as he aims to refine his game and elevate his performance heading into the next season.
Braves’ Roster Highlights
Joining Alvarez in the Fall League are infielder Jim Jarvis, right-handers Drue Hackenberg, LJ McDonough, and Cory Wall, left-hander Jacob Kroeger, and outfielder Patrick Clohisy. All these players will don the colors of the Glendale Desert Dogs. Notably, while Alvarez has surpassed the prospect threshold, Hackenberg stands out as the sole player within the Braves’ top-30 prospects selected for the league.
Hackenberg’s Season Struggles
Hackenberg’s season has been turbulent. After a promising rise through the minors last year, where he advanced to Triple-A Gwinnett from High-A Rome, he has faced challenges this season. Currently, he holds a 7.01 ERA over 17 starts with Double-A Columbus, a stark contrast to the expectations set before the season began. His midseason injury, which briefly sidelined him, has certainly impacted his performance, leaving fans eager to see if the Fall League can provide a fresh start.
Jarvis Making His Mark
Jarvis, acquired from the Detroit Tigers just before the trade deadline in exchange for relief pitcher Rafael Montero, has quickly made an impression in the Braves system. During his 21 games with Double-A Columbus, he has posted a .265 batting average with a .705 OPS, showcasing his potential as he aims to solidify his place in the organization.
The Arizona Fall League Experience
The Arizona Fall League serves as a critical developmental platform, allowing teams to send seven players to form six teams that compete at Spring Training facilities in Arizona. This year’s season kicks off on October 6 and runs through November 15, culminating in the league’s championship game. Historically, the AFL attracts high-profile prospects, and last year, Braves prospect Drake Baldwin made headlines with an impressive performance, batting .377 with a .942 OPS across 13 games.
With the Fall League on the horizon, all eyes will be on Nacho Alvarez and his fellow Braves teammates as they seek to hone their skills and make their mark in the competitive landscape of professional baseball.
