The Atlanta Braves 9-1 win over the Colorado Rockies was marred on Saturday night by an early exit from franchise star Ronald Acuña Jr. The outfielder exited with a left leg injury, and according to a report from 680 The Fan, will have an MRI to determine the extent of the injury and when the outfielder might return to the lineup. Still, it is a reminder of the lack of current depth the Braves have rostered at the position.
Much of this is due to an early-season suspension of Jurickson Profar that instantly put the team's depth under first. With this in mind, the Braves clearly need to make a move to address the current concerns, even amidst the incredible start the franchise is enjoying. With this in mind, let's look at three potential solutions for Atlanta entering the second month of the season.
1. Rely on Ha-Seong Kim and Sean Murphy
While neither of these players might be viable options in the outfield, they are expected to give the Braves a clear boost. There is also the fact that bringing Kim back will allow the Braves to put Mauricio Dubon into the outfield full-time and have Kim and Jorge Mateo handle the shortstop duties. This is a piece of why you added Dubon in the first place, knowing injuries were inevitable and enjoying the flexibility that Dubon affords you.
There is also the hope that the collective offensive contributions of Kim and Murphy are able to boost an already thriving lineup. If Acuna is going to miss extended time, there is already help on the way and reason to wonder if the veteran duo could be enough to help the Braves' lineup continue to produce until Acuna's return.
2. Attempt to Take Advantage of Boston's Miserable Start
If the Braves feel that Acuna is going to be out for an extended period, it would be fair to question whether Dubon's presence is going to be enough. Michael Harris has already been out of the lineup battling an injury, and neither Eli White nor Mike Yastrzemski has offered much offensive consistency. The Red Sox have wasted no time starting out miserably and falling out of contention.
While it is a long season ahead, it is fair to wonder if Boston already might consider selling, and if so, whether or not Jarren Duran could use a change of scenery. The outfielder would fit well into Atlanta's current core and offer the lineup a needed boost until the outfield is back to full health.
3. Move Jorge Mateo Into the Atlanta Outfield
While Mateo has been used only in the Atlanta infield this season, the veteran does have a history of playing the outfield. Mateo has hit .270 and offered Atlanta surprise production, taking advantage of the early-season injuries to make the team's roster. It could make a great deal of sense not to add an additional outfielder but simply rely on Mateo and Dubon to step into new roles.
For Mateo, it is a chance to remain with the big league team and continue to prove he is a viable contributor moving deeper into the season. Considering how expensive the trade market likely is at this point in the season, and Atlanta's lack of minor league options, this appears a more likely path.
More Atlanta Braves News and Rumors:
Add us as a preferred source on Google