Former Phillies all-purpose player Whit Merrifield signs with Atlanta Braves

MINNEAPOLIS — Besieged by injuries, the Atlanta Braves turned Monday to a replacement for the Phillies, signing veteran all-around player Whit Merrifield to a major league contract.

Atlanta lost Ozzie Albies to a broken left wrist Sunday while trying to tag second base. He is expected to miss about eight weeks. Merrifield and newly recalled prospect Nacho Alvarez Jr. should help the Braves fill the void.

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Since the Phillies released Merrifield two weeks ago, the Braves are responsible for paying a prorated portion of the major league minimum salary of $740,000; the Phillies must pay the remainder of the roughly $3.4 million remaining on his one-year, $8 million contract.

Merrifield, 35, hit just .199/.277/.295 with three homers in 174 plate appearances with the Phillies, never adjusting to a backup role after spending most of his career as an everyday player.

Albies joined left-hander Max Fried (forearm neuritis) and center fielder Michael Harris II (left hamstring strain) on the disabled list. The Braves already lost Spencer Strider (Tommy John surgery) and Ronald Acuña Jr. (knee surgery) for the season.