Part of the Atlanta Braves' desperation moves to attempt to turn the season around was parting ways with former starting shortstop Orlando Arcia. After the first two weeks of the season, the veteran was rarely on the field or used as a pinch hitter. If the Braves were going to roll with an offensively limited option, it made far more sense to keep Nick Allen. The younger player is the superior defender and offers you more speed running the bases.
Even if things didn't work out as Atlanta hoped, it made more sense to keep Allen on the active roster.
This led to Arcia's release and signing with the worst team in the National League. The Rockies were willing to give Arcia playing time and a Major League deal that other teams simply weren't in a position to offer. It made sense as a career move to sign with the Rockies, earning playing time in hopes that you could turn the season around and perhaps become a trade chip in the middle of the summer.
Former Braves Shortstop Orlando Arcia Is Swapping Numbers as Struggles Continue
INF Ryan Ritter will wear number 8. INF Orlando Arcia switches from number 8 to number 11. Last worn by INF Owen Miller earlier this season. #Rockies pic.twitter.com/lMvhiWaU3k
— MLB Jersey Numbers (@NumbersMLB) June 6, 2025
Thus far, that hasn't been the case with Arcia's average dipping below the Mendoza line and the shortstop continuing to rack up strikeouts. While the veteran has never been an offensive force, this year's struggles are a new low for the former Braves. One that has made Arcia more than willing to make any changes, including swapping his number.
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Arcia will now wear number 11, giving 8 to Ryan Ritter. It makes sense for Arcia both to earn a bit of goodwill in the clubhouse and to attempt any possible change to spark offensive improvement. Things have continued to move in the wrong direction, leaving room to wonder if the veteran is going to end the 2025 season still on a Major League roster.
For Atlanta, this was the right choice even as Nick Allen's offensive production is fading. Arcia wasn't giving your team any answers, and using his roster spot for Luke Williams at least offers you a flexible defensive replacement that also serves as a pinch runner. It was the right decision for both sides and continues to give Arcia a chance to turn his career in the right direction.