Atlanta Braves Ronald Acuna Jr. Set to Make Debut in Cincinnati
By Kit Anderson
Atlanta Braves rookie Ronald Acuna Jr. will make his much-awaited debut tonight when the Braves play the Reds. Acuna is in tonight’s starting lineup and will wear the lucky number thirteen.
Ronald Acuna Jr.’s delay in joining the Atlanta Braves roster was a sore spot for Braves’ fans who couldn’t wait for the future star to join the team. Understandably so, considering the talent he flashed last season in the Big Leagues, and in Spring Training.
Just today, speedy outfielder Peter Bourjos has been DFA’ed to make room for Acuna on the roster. The move isn’t terribly surprising after the Braves did the same to Lane Adams. For now, Preston Tucker will remain on the roster as the 4th outfielder, and veteran Jose Bautista will join the team soon.
While it is a defensive downgrade for the bench, it makes the starting lineup much better defensively.
Acuna has a great arm (and glove) in left field, giving the Braves three great fielding outfielders. And on the offensive side, he has shown some serious power-hitting capabilities. Adding Acuna, and then Jose Bautista might just take the Braves from a powerless lineup to one with three legitimate home run threats.
Acuna will hit sixth and start in left field tonight for the Braves. If he can get off to a quick start, he will continue to rise in the lineup. The fact Brian Snitker feels comfortable hitting a rookie so highly in his debut tells you how special he is.
Ideally, Acuna will be able to provide protection for Freddie Freeman in the cleanup spot. Followed by Nick Markakis and Jose Bautista, it could prove to be a more fearsome group than Atlanta has had in many years. Here is a possible lineup, Snitker could go with this summer.
1. Ender Inciarte
2. Ozzie Albies
3. Freddie Freeman
4. Ronald Acuna Jr.
5. Nick Markakis
6. Jose Bautista
7. Tyler Flowers
8. Dansby Swanson
Adding Acuna and Bautista could complete what Braves fans hope to be a better hitting lineup. A lineup that should be the best offense the Braves had in a very long time.
No question, Braves country will be watching closely tonight, and all eyes will be on Ronald Acuna Jr. as he makes his debut.