Ozzie Albies Reveals He Had Offseason Surgery

The Atlanta Braves have a lot to look forward to this season as they aim for their sixth straight NL East title. One of those things is the return of a healthy Ozzie Albies.

Albies played only 64 games last year after fracturing his left foot and right pinky on separate plays. The latter injury prevented him from playing in the postseason, and apparently the All-Star second baseman was dealing with another issue as well.

Ozzie Albies Injury Update

Albies revealed on Friday that he also underwent offseason shoulder surgery, which he called a "clean-up" procedure. He also said that he expects to be good to go for Opening Day on March 30.

While all of the 26-year-old's recent maladies are certainly concerning, the important thing now is that he seems to be healthy for 2023. It's possible the shoulder issue may have hampered his swing in 2022, as he batted just .247/.294/.409 -- all career lows -- before being shut down.

If he's feeling 100% and back to normal, Albies is capable of providing a major park to Atlanta's offense. The two-time Silver Slugger winner has already clubbed at least 24 home runs and 40 doubles three times apiece, making him one of the best hitters at the keystone.

Time will tell if Albies shows any lingering effects from his surgery, but for now it sounds like Braves fans have reasons to be optimistic about him heading into the season.