The Atlanta Braves lost two starters in the first game of Thursday's doubleheader, with AJ Smith-Shawver and Stuart Fairchild both exiting early. Smith-Shawver was struck by a liner while Fairchild was lost due to suffering a cut while sliding into second. It was an unintentional injury with the Philly infielder simply being in the wrong position for Fairchild's slide. There wasn't any perceivable ill intent. However, Braves fans might take issue with how manager Brian Snitker answered the injury.
With outfielder Alex Verdugo available and on the bench, the team inserted Ronald Acuña Jr. into the starting lineup to replace Fairchild. The same player the Braves didn't want to play a doubleheader was the replacement for the first injury. Predictably, the 2023 MVP responded by getting the Atlanta offense within reach with a clutch RBI single. Still, this doesn't explain an incredibly odd decision from Snitker.
If the Atlanta Braves Star Wasn’t Available, Why Was He the Team’s First Answer?
If you're confident enough to turn to the star ahead of Verdugo, why wasn't he in the starting lineup in the first place? This is an obvious question even when Fairchild exits with an injury. It isn't as if the Braves have a shortage of options carrying five viable outfielders.
Even Luke Williams can be used in the outfield in a pinch, and have Nick Allen come in to play shortstop. Regardless, it serves as yet the latest example of Snitker's decision-making being questioned. The veteran manager being pointed to amid the team's recent slide is understandable, even if it is a bit unfair.
This is an Atlanta roster that has consistently failed to retain star players and took a step back in the 2025 offseason. Opting not to chase depth and needed impact players, and we now see the team paying the price for this choice.
On the bright side, the move does signal confidence in Atlanta's best player and a willingness to play the star in longer series. In many ways, the team simply has no other choice as they continue to freefall in the standings and search for an answer, it seems Brian Snitker rarely has.