The Atlanta Braves have made a strategic move to strengthen their infield by signing veteran infielder Gio Urshela to a major league contract. The acquisition comes as the team places Austin Riley on the 10-day injured list, backdated to August 19, due to a fractured right hand. In order to make room on the 40-man roster, the Braves have transferred A.J. Minter to the 60-day injured list.

Gio Urshela, who has previously played for six Major League teams, now joins the Braves as his seventh team. The 29-year-old player was recently released by the Tigers on the same day Riley suffered his injury. Speculation about a potential move to the Braves quickly spread, and today the team officially confirmed Urshela's signing. According to reports from Justin Toscano, Urshela will be available for tonight's game against the Phillies.

With a career batting average of .273, an on-base percentage of .318, and a slugging percentage of .412, Urshela brings a solid track record to the Braves. He boasts a 99 wRC+ mark and has accumulated a 7.4 WAR over the course of his career. While Urshela may not be a standout superstar, his signing is a valuable addition to an organization that has experienced multiple player replacements this season. The right-handed hitter also brings 69 home runs to the Atlanta team.

Given the current circumstances, the Braves are relying on their available resources to keep the team competitive. With Ozzie Albies still out due to injury, it is unlikely that Whit Merrifield will take over at third base. The organization seems hesitant to move Matt Olson to third base and shift Marcell Ozuna to first base, and the current situation behind the plate would not support a designated hitter option. Hence, Gio Urshela's presence will offer stability as the Braves navigate through these challenging times.

While Urshela may not be a direct replacement for Riley's production, he is expected to make a meaningful contribution to the team. The Braves hope that by bringing in Urshela, they can maintain their performance and stay afloat in the standings until their injured players recover. The fans are eager to see Urshela's impact on the field and are hopeful that his integration into the team will be seamless.

As the Braves gear up to face the Phillies in the series opener on Tuesday, all eyes will be on Gio Urshela as he steps onto the field in the Atlanta jersey. Fans and analysts alike are eagerly anticipating his debut and the impact he will have on the team's quest for success.