Ahead of last night's series opener againstthe Los Angeles Dodgers ,the Atlanta Braves opted to demote shortstop Jim Jarvis, making it clear that it was Mauricio Dubon's job moving forward. Considering the declining offense of Jarvis, and the improved outfield depth the Braves can now lean on the move makes a great deal of sense. It is a frustrating end for a career minor leaguer, who was one of the season's more exciting stories when it comes to unexpected contributors emerging.
Jarvis hit .279 in July, appearing to be a surprise answer and forcing the Braves to make a difficult decision that resulted in turning the page on Jorge Mateo. This led into August, when Jarvis started putting up Ha-Seong Kim-level numbers, offering a .079 average and striking out 10 times in only 42 trips to the plate. As much fun as it was watching Jarvis during his early days with the Braves, it is clear the wheels fell off at the worst possible moment.
Moving forward, it will be Dubon at shortstop, with Lane Thomas and Mike Yastrzemski expected to handle left field. Kim remains on the bench as a possible option at short, but remains an offensive liability, giving manager Walt Weiss no clear reason to consider putting the veteran back into the lineup.
Braves Demote Jim Jarvis After Dismal August Offensive Performance
For Jarvis, this is unlikely to be the shortstop's last opportunity considering how the Braves have managed the position in recent years. Over the last two seasons alone, we've seen Orlando Arcia, Nick Allen, Ha-Seong Kim, Jarvis, Dubon, and Mateo all utilized as potential answers at the position. Dubon is the only piece that has offered a level of offensive consistency, but the veteran is on an expiring deal that leaves the team's future still in question.
No matter what the future holds, the Braves made the right decision by demoting a player who is pushing the offense in the wrong direction. No longer is the concern fighting for the top of the National League, but real concern over whether or not the Braves can hold onto a tightening division lead.
Philadelphia is making a clear push in the East, and Jarvis simply isn't a viable starting option for a team serious about winning anything of note. As much as it frustrates the fanbase to see what was a fun story come to an end, there is no debating it was the right decision for Atlanta.
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