Amid a frustrating 27–31 start that has the Braves stuck in fourth place in the NL East, Atlanta is back in the headlines—but this time, it’s not about what’s happening on the field. A surprising injury update from veteran slugger Marcell Ozuna has added to the team’s growing list of concerns. According to The Athletic’s David O’Brien, Ozuna has been quietly playing through a torn right hip—an injury the team had not previously disclosed.
Fans had noticed something was off: despite Ozuna’s strong offensive numbers, he was frequently subbed out on the bases late in games. What seemed like a precautionary move is now understood to be a response to a much more serious issue.
“I’ve been kind of slow because I don’t want to rotate, because my hip is kind of shut down a little bit,” said the 34-year-old designated hitter. “I had a tear in my right hip, so I just keep battling. I’m trying to help my team. That’s the most important thing—I want to be in the lineup every day.”
The revelation has sparked questions about the Braves’ transparency and player management. General Manager Alex Anthopoulos confirmed that Ozuna will keep playing, but his condition will need to be managed for the rest of the season. Despite the injury and little rest, Ozuna is still performing at an elite level, slashing .284 with 10 home runs and a .901 OPS—numbers that place him among the league’s best DHs.
Still, the long-term implications are significant. With Ozuna in the final year of his contract, trade rumors are heating up. If Atlanta continues to slide, dealing him—even with the injury—could bring in valuable prospects for a potential reset.
Fans and analysts alike are frustrated by how the injury was handled. Initially described as “minor inflammation,” the team only now admits the true extent—a torn hip. It’s another blow in a season full of them. Ronald Acuña Jr. only just returned from ACL surgery, and Jurickson Profar remains suspended.
As the Braves fight to stay afloat, Ozuna’s health looms large—not just for the team’s immediate fortunes, but for what moves the front office might make next.
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