Advertisement

Braves manager Brian Snitker OK after taking Ozzie Albies foul ball to the groin

Atlanta Braves second baseman Ozzie Albies hit a foul ball into pretty much the worst place you can hit a foul ball on Wednesday.

In the fifth inning of a 3-1 win over the San Francisco Giants, Albies bounced a foul ball into his own dugout, where the ball made direct contact with the groin of Braves manager Brian Snitker. Fortunately, the 68-year-old seemed OK, even cracking a smile after the impact.

The Braves broadcast booth of Brandon Gaudin and C.J. Nitkowski at least had some fun with the moment, once they realized what had just happened:

"Ooh, look out. That hit Brian Snitker. He's OK, but that bounced right into his belly ... Oh, no. Not on the belly. Never mind. That's a different kind of belly."

"Belt buckle. Hopefully."

"Does a manager wear a cup?"

Snitker threw out a playful "next question" after being asked if he was alright after the game, before saying, "I told Ozzie I took his best ball."

ATLANTA, GA  JUNE 17:  Atlanta manager Brian Snitker (43) reacts during the MLB game between the Detroit Tigers and the Atlanta Braves on June 17th, 2024 at Truist Park in Atlanta, GA. (Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Brian Snitker didn't seem too fazed by a ball to a sensitive area. (Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Outside of that one swing, it was a very good game for the Braves. Starting pitcher Chris Sale continued a strong first half with six innings, three hits allowed, one earned run and nine strikeouts, while the bullpen combined for three innings of one-run ball.

Adam Duvall and Austin Riley provided all the runs Atlanta needed with one RBI double each, with Duvall's being part of a three-hit day. The win improves the Braves' record to 47-37, which puts them in the top NL wild-card position and nine games back from the first-place Philadelphia Phillies in the NL East.