One of the more alarming Atlanta Braves injury updates of the 2025 season was the news that Marcell Ozuna was playing through an injury. This doesn't come as a surprise for a team-focused player; however, anytime the words hip tear are thrown out, it is an obvious concern. Still, the designated hitter continued to be productive and find ways to help jumpstart an often-dormant offense.
While the production has dipped in recent weeks, this team's offense is still very reliant on the production of Ozuna. With this in mind, fans will be excited by the slugger's most recent injury update. Braves reporter Mark Bowman shared that Ozuna's hip hasn't been a problem in recent games. This was on the heels of an incredible weekend offensive showing that included the designated hitter ending his home run drought.
Marcell Ozuna Should Return to Form in Braves Lineup
Ozuna says his hip hasn’t been a problem recently. That’s good news for the Braves, who looked like sellers before Michael Harris II and Ozuna hit two of the season’s biggest homers last night https://t.co/Olyom05pSL
— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) June 14, 2025
Atlanta's win further muddies the waters as to what direction this team should choose in the coming weeks. Ozuna and Iglesias are both expiring contracts that the team could attempt to move ahead of this year's deadline. On the other hand, the lineup is showing recent life, and the trio atop the Braves rotation is capable of beating anyone.
If the team is going to continue to believe in the 2025 season, it must include a continued surge and an impact from Jurickson Profar, who is closing in on a return. The outfielder was forced to miss 80 games after breaking the league's banned substance policy. Still, with Alex Verdugo and Eli White both fading at the plate, the veteran is going to get a chance to win back favor.
The only upside to possibly losing Ozuna is the ability to put Drake Baldwin in the lineup every night. If the Braves were to trade the veteran, you could call up James McCann as the bench catcher while rotating Murphy and Baldwin in the DH spot. It is a move the team should unquestionably make if they fall further out of contention. Still, it is good to hear a rare positive Atlanta update offering hope that an offensive surge is incoming for the veteran slugger.