After weeks of watching an outfield situation that’s been shakier than a soda can dropped down a flight of stairs, Atlanta Braves fans finally got what they were begging for: Alex Verdugo is headed to The Show.
But here’s the twist—not the twist most folks were expecting. It wasn’t Jarred Kelenic who got the boot. Nope. That unfortunate honor went to Bryan De La Cruz.
The Braves Call Up Verdugo
Verdugo’s arrival in Atlanta wasn’t exactly shocking—fans have been tweeting, posting, and probably skywriting about it since early April.
The Braves outfield has looked downright allergic to consistency, and adding a proven, lefty-swinging, glove-first guy like Verdugo? That felt like a no-brainer.
Even if he’s had a rough go in Triple-A to start the year, his track record gives the Braves a bit more breathing room than they’ve had lately.
And let’s not gloss over what this means. The Braves didn’t sign Verdugo to stash him in Gwinnett all year—they brought him in for situations like this.
De La Cruz’s Disappointing Dive
Now, De La Cruz wasn’t exactly lighting the world on fire. He might’ve been extinguishing his own torch. A .453 OPS in 50 plate appearances?
That’s not a slump—that’s a nosedive. And don’t even get started on the defensive lapses and cold bats during high-leverage moments.
Fans knew it, the numbers screamed it, and apparently, the front office agreed. He has options, and that flexibility made this choice that much easier.
Kelenic’s Reprieve—For Now
Let’s be real—Kelenic hasn’t looked like an All-Star either. But he’s shown flashes: working counts, drawing walks, making pitchers sweat a bit. That gives him just enough of an edge to stick around.
Plus, with only one minor league option left, the Braves are likely playing the long game with him. It’s roster calculus, and it works in Kelenic’s favor for now.
What’s Next For the Braves?
Verdugo’s glove alone could stabilize a wobbly outfield. And if the bat comes around—like it has in past seasons—he could end up being more than just a Band-Aid.
He might be the upgrade this outfield has desperately needed. Still, the clock’s ticking for Kelenic. With De La Cruz now waiting in the wings, this is no time for complacency.
Bottom line? The Atlanta Braves finally shuffled the deck. Whether this hand plays better than the last one remains to be seen—but at least now, it feels like the team’s finally playing with some purpose.
