The Atlanta Braves are close to bringing second baseman Ozzie Albies back from the injured list.

Albies, who suffered a broken wrist three games after the Braves returned from the All-Star break, told reporters Friday that he could possibly return as early as next week.

The three-time All-Star said he may only swing right-handed until his left-handed swing feels better, but after batting practice before Friday afternoon’s game against the Los Angeles Dodgers, Albies believes his right-handed swing is good enough for a return.

Albies, 27, added that he expects to play again this season, but the exact date is still uncertain.

Before Albies spoke, Braves manager Brian Snitker said he wasn’t sure if Albies would return to the lineup this year because the team hadn’t yet talked to him about returning exclusively as a right-handed pitcher.

The decision was up to Albies, according to Snitker, and it seems Albies decided to give it a try.

Albies is a notoriously strong right-handed hitter. Against left-handed hitters, Albies is hitting .343/.356/.556 this season.

This season, Albies has a batting average of .258 with eight home runs, 46 runs batted in and an on-base percentage of .310.

In Albie’s place, the Braves have started with several options, some due to injuries and others due to lack of performance. Veteran Whit Merrifield will start at second base in Friday night’s game against the Dodgers, which begins at 7:20 p.m. at Truist Park.