Why do the Atlanta Braves continue to start Jarred Kelenic?
Yes, the team's options are clearly limited with Bryan De La Cruz, Stuart Fairchild, and Eli White as the remaining options. Michael Harris is the one starting outfielder who is still healthy. Ronald Acuna Jr. is closing in on a return, however, the team will also be without Jurickson Profar, who has been suspended.
This explains why Kelenic is considered an option at all, but not why he should keep starting. The outfielder's 2024 performance already had Kelenic on thin ice, and the start to this season has answered all remaining questions.
With Alex Verdugo in Atlanta's system, it is time for the team to move on from Kelenic. Continuing to put the outfielder in the starting lineup is a mistake, even with the team's extremely limited options. Whether it is putting in the speed of White or the offensive upside of Alex Verdugo, the Braves need to attempt to find another answer.
Jarred Kelenic Cannot Continue to Be Part of Atlanta's Starting Lineups
Kelenic was a rare swing-and-miss from Atlanta's front office, and it is past time to admit the mistake. If not for Profar hurting his team and Acuna still rehabbing, it is clear the franchise would have already moved on. You're not going to have a difficult time finding more value in the current options. Whether it is speed or giving a higher quality of at-bat, the team owes it to the clubhouse and fanbase to stop putting Kelenic on the diamond.
Giving the outfielder a second chance at redemption with your limited options and the level of investment could be understood. However, with the current standings, Atlanta is looking too far up not to do everything in their power to improve. This means shedding a liability at the plate, whether it means moving Kelenic off the active roster or moving the outfielder to the end of the Braves' bench.
No matter what answer the team lands on, it is clear that Jarred Kelenic isn't going to be a part of any viable solutions. It is time to turn the page and attempt to give a struggling roster a chance at finding a piece better equipped to contribute to winning.