The Braves haven’t won a single series to start a season coming off a World Series win. Atlanta has struggled defensively in the outfield, but the bottom of the order offensively is also struggling mightily.
It’s still early in the season and shouldn’t be overly concerning, especially considering the club is expecting Ronald Acuña Jr. to rejoin the team in the near future. According to David O’Brien, the Braves could remove the superstar outfielder off the IL as soon as next week.
Anyone planning to go see Ronald Acuña Jr. play at Triple-A Gwinnett on Tuesday in 11:05 a.m. game, don’t. He’s off. #Braves will have him play 7 innings Wednesday and 9 Thursday in games at Gwinnett, working towards consecutive 9-inning games in RF. Could come off IL next week.
— David O'Brien (@DOBrienATL) April 25, 2022
Acuña has aced his rehab stint with the Braves’ Triple-A affiliate in Gwinnett. He’s gone 5-for-14 with a double and three stolen bases in five games with the Stripers, serving as the DH in two games and right field in the other three. Acuña’s return will do wonders for the Braves offensively and defensively.
He’ll likely return as a DH but will eventually take over in right field while Adam Duvall mans center. Atlanta will probably turn to Eddie Rosario in left, even if he isn’t a great defender; Steady Eddie is still better than Marcell Ozuna and Alex Dickerson in that aspect. Acuña’s presence in the lineup should also lead to more RBI opportunities for Matt Olson, Austin Riley, Ozuna, and Ozzie Albies.
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