Braves' Ozzie Albies fractures toe, placed on IL

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 at-bats, 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.

The injury is tough for Atlanta, which has 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 suffered an oblique strain.

Now, Albies is out. And you feel for the second baseman, who always plays so 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. Atlanta 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 Atlanta outrighted Fletcher off the 40-man roster. Then the Braves signed Luis Guillorme, who occupies the utility infielder role.

Over 50 at-bats for Gwinnett before joining Atlanta, Fletcher hit .280 with a .703 OPS. He drove in seven runs and stole two bases.

During spring training, Fletcher made a great impression. He displayed his tremendous glove and batted .324. Many times, Braves manager Brian Snitker lauded Fletcher and his ability.

But the hope, of course, is that Albies is back soon.