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Braves Right Fielders Are Running Out of Time

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gabriel King | Last updated Mar 31, 2025 5:55 PM ET

The Atlanta Braves are off to a difficult start in 2025. Atlanta is 0-4 after a season-opening sweep at the hands of the San Diego Padres and will start a series with the defending champion Los Angeles Dodgers Monday night. With a brutal stretch to begin 2025, it is clear that the Braves are missing their injured stars.

Starting pitcher Spencer Strider and outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. are still recovering from surgeries that ended their 2024 seasons, leaving Atlanta without two of its best players. While their starting pitching has been solid thus far during Strider’s absence, it is clear the Braves are missing Acuña in right field.

Jarred Kelenic started the first four games in right field for the Braves, going 2-13 with a home run and five strikeouts in the series against the Padres. Kelenic, a career .212 hitter, has struggled since being traded from the Seattle Mariners to the Braves last year and may be on his last chance with Atlanta. The Braves will have to decide if Kelenic is part of their outfield plans once Acuña returns from his knee injury.

Atlanta’s other option in right field, offseason signing Bryan De La Cruz, only had two at-bats off the bench against the Padres, going 0-2 with a strikeout. While De La Cruz showed offensive potential during his time with the Miami Marlins, he struggled defensively, making Kelenic a more viable option in right field during Acuña’s absence.

Braves manager Brian Snitker told ESPN’s Buster Olney during Sunday’s loss that the Braves will make sure Acuña is fully ready before placing him back in the lineup. Snitker said that there is an emphasis on ensuring that Acuña’s mobility and agility return to full speed. With Atlanta being patient with Acuña, Kelenic and De La Cruz will have an opportunity to get more playing time, but they’re running out of chances to prove themselves.

While at least one of Kelenic and De La Cruz will likely remain on Atlanta’s 26-man roster once Acuña returns, both players are running out of time to solidify their spots in Atlanta’s lineup. Left fielder Jurickson Profar and center fielder Michael Harris III hold everyday spots in the Braves’ lineup, so there is limited room for Kelenic and De La Cruz.

With the Braves off to a difficult start, there is increased pressure on Kelenic and De La Cruz to perform when they’re in the lineup. The upcoming three-game series with the Dodgers presents a stiff test for whoever gets the nod in right field, but it is a test they will have to pass.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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