Atlanta Braves Acquire Billy Hamilton to Patch Injured Outfield

Speedster Billy Hamilton is now a part of the Atlanta Braves outfield. An outfield out side of Ronald Acuna Jr. now comprised on bench players after a string of injuries to Atlanta outfielders.

Billy Hamilton is now a part of the Atlanta Braves outfield. Hamilton is unlikely to get much playing time barring another injury, instead he will be used as a late-inning pinch runner or a defensive replacement allowing Acuna to switch to a corner outfield spot when needed.

Hamilton is a career .242 hitter and has struggled to reach even that consistency so far this season. Hamilton joined the Royals after spending his first six seasons with the Reds. He was less than impressive hitting .211 failing to offer the Royals any offense.

Atlanta isn’t going to expect anything offensively from Hamilton. Any hits Hamilton happens to collect during his time with Atlanta will simply be icing on the proverbial cake.

Hamilton’s value to Atlanta is all in his legs and ability to play defense. It gives Atlanta a defender who can play center at Ender Inciarte’s level and allow Acuna to swap to corner outfield in late inning situations.

It also gives Atlanta a pinch running option late in games. Hamilton has 295-career stolen bases. Though it is a rarity for Hamilton to make it on base when he does there is a good chance he is going to steal a base.

Having a player like Hamilton with his speed could be a great weapon to deploy during the postseason. It gives Atlanta a dynamic baserunner and a gold glove level center fielder, something Atlanta lacks until Ender Inciarte is healthy once again.

Even if Inciarte makes it back in time for postseason play Hamilton could be an intriguing weapon for Atlanta to deploy. No doubt it makes them a better team as they attempt to hold on to their division lead.