ex-Cleveland Indians infielder signs with Atlanta Braves

Former Cleveland Indians infielder Gio Urshela has signed with the Atlanta Braves, stepping in to replace star third baseman Austin Riley, who will miss the rest of the regular season due to a broken hand.

The 32-year-old veteran, who has been in the MLB for nine years, joined the Braves on Tuesday, just two days after being released by the Detroit Tigers, whom he signed with in February. Urshela recorded a.243 batting average with five home runs, 37 RBI, and a.619 OPS in 92 games for the Tigers this season.

Urshela made his debut for the Braves on Tuesday night against the Philadelphia Phillies, going 0-for-3 with a walk and an RBI. The Braves are currently six games behind the Phillies in the National League East and hold a 2.5-game lead for the final NL wild card spot.

“He’s been a very productive major leaguer,” said Braves manager Brian Snitker. “It’s a great opportunity for him, and we’re fortunate that someone like him was available.”

Before joining Atlanta and Detroit this season, Urshela played for the Los Angeles Angels in 2023, the Minnesota Twins in 2022, and the New York Yankees from 2019–2021, where he had a standout season in 2019, hitting.314 with 21 home runs, 74 RBI, and an.889 OPS. He also played for the Toronto Blue Jays in 2018.

Urshela started his career with Cleveland, signing as an amateur free agent from Colombia at age 16 in July 2008. He made his MLB debut on June 9, 2015, and played parts of two seasons in 2015 and 2017 as a third baseman and utility infielder.

Throughout his nine-year MLB career, Urshela has maintained a.273 batting average with 69 home runs, 317 RBI, and a.730 OPS over 756 games.