The Atlanta Braves have the misfortune of having to shuffle their roster around after a couple of injuries. AJ Smith-Shawver was placed on the 60-day IL after feeling a pop in his elbow and Stuart Fairchild landed on the 10-day IL with a dislocated pinky.
This forced Atlanta to find replacements and they have plenty of depth to cover the loss of Smith-Shawver.
However, there aren’t many incredible options lying in the minor leagues for the outfield. Some expected they would simply bring up Jarred Kelenic from Triple-A to cover the loss of Fairchild.
Braves choose to keep Jarred Kelenic at Triple-A in favor of recent Mets castaway José Azócar
Instead of calling up Kelenic, the Braves selected the contract of outfielder José Azócar. Azócar was recently outrighted by the Mets and elected free agency instead of accepting the assignment. He is known for his great sprint speed and defensive ability. Two things the Braves are very happy to add to their bench.
This shows Atlanta has lost a bit of faith in Kelenic, who has been given ample opportunity to stick with the ball club.
He started the season in Atlanta but he struggled with a .167 average through 60 at-bats. Once the team signed Alex Verdugo, it signaled the team had some serious doubts with Kelenic. Eli White has also emerged as a great asset for Atlanta’s outfield and with how the offense has struggled, the team had no choice but to stick with him.
The former top prospect has had 90 at-bats with the Gwinnett Stripers and has a .247/.354/.371 slash line and a .725 OPS. He’s not doing much better at that level either.
It’s tough seeing him struggle, especially when the Braves took on a good bit of money in their trade for Kelenic. Considering players acquired and let go, Atlanta spent a little over $20 million to keep him.
Now, Kelenic provided some exciting moments and flashed his impressive arm strength. He just couldn’t find the consistency needed to justify playing everyday anymore. It stinks because Kelenic viewed Atlanta as an opporunity to get out of the spotlight and finally thrive. But it’s just been more of the same and he’ll have to work to improve himself if he wants a shot at the big league level again.
