Every time the Atlanta Braves start to roll over everyone or start looking like the team to beat, they always suffer some unfortunate snag in the plan... Once again, fate has turned towards its ugly side as Tony Phillips fractured his ankle during Atlanta's game against the New York Mets on July 22nd.
The Braves now have a decision to look for a replacement or rely on Ron Gant to take over for him. Gant is more than capable of filling in for Phillips, but doesn't bring the lead-off aspect that Phillips did.
Phillips hit at a .297 clip with 16 home runs, 48 RBI and 83 runs scored. Phillips was the Atlanta Braves' lead-off man, while the team will juggle the lineup to see who will play in that spot of the lineup.
Phillips had an unbelievable .449 on-base percentage & .938 OPS for the season, while he might have been one of the front-runners for this season's N.L. Most Valuable Player Award, along with teammate Dave Justice.
Gant has had limited play this season, starting the season on the disabled list, while losing his left field job due to the emergence of Ryan Klesko. Gant's numbers have improved mightily after a sluggish start, batting .281 with 9 HR, 29 RBI (.912 OPS) in 135 at-bats (50 games) this season.
The Atlanta Braves (63-28) currently lead the N.L. West by 16.5 games over the Houston Astros.
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