The Atlanta Braves finally made the inevitable move, jettisoning struggling outfielder Jarred Kelenic from the major league roster. It was an overdue decision that was delayed only because of a complete lack of remaining options. With Ronald Acuna Jr. still rehabbing and Jurickson Profar's shocking early-season suspension, Atlanta was scraping the bottom of the barrel when it came to starting options. With the surprise emergence of Alex Verdugo becoming one of the better stories early in the season.
Still, the team is in need of reinforcements, and they signed a familiar face as a potential short-term answer. In a corresponding move to sending Kelenic to Gwinnett, the Braves have re-signed veteran outfielder Eddie Rosario. This is the veteran's third stint with Atlanta, with the most noteworthy of those coming in a surprise 2021 trade that would be pivotal to Atlanta's World Series run. Both of the reunions since have ended in frustration, despite the impact of Rosario in the 2021 season.
The #Braves today reported RHP Ian Anderson to Atlanta after optioning RHP Davis Daniel to Triple-A Gwinnett following yesterday’s game. The club today also signed OF Eddie Rosario to a major league contract, and optioned OF Jarred Kelenic to the Stripers. To make room on the…
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) April 28, 2025
Atlanta fans should have low expectations for veteran Eddie Rosario's return
It is hard to expect much from an outfielder who has hit below the Mendoza line for much of the last two years. Bringing Rosario back is less about what the outfielder can bring and more about moving on from Kelenic. Even with low expectations for Rosario, it is a clear upgrade for the Braves. The veteran outfielder has more value at the plate, and Atlanta has defensive options already on the current roster.
This does introduce an interesting problem for manager Brian Snitker as well, with Alex Verdugo and Eli White both playing well as of late. Putting Rosario into the starting lineup is going to be difficult as long as the current production continues. Michael Harris is Atlanta's lone remaining starter, and his place in the opening lineup is unquestionable.
Where the team could look to make a change is with Eli White. White's recent production has come as a surprise and isn't likely to be sustained. The Braves could look to platoon White and Rosario until Ronald Acuna Jr. can return. Regardless, it was a change that was overdue and gives Atlanta's roster a superior short-term option.