Atlanta Braves need Roster Flexibility
By Ryan Cothran
Does anyone remember this stat-line from an Atlanta Braves player?
First 15 plate appearances: 9 hits, 2 doubles, 5 runs, and a stolen base, 1.333 OPS
I’m sure many do and can likely point to the player that made that immediate impact. How ’bout this stat-line:
Next 62 plate appearances, 8 hits, 2 doubles, 4 runs, 1 SB, 1 CS, .404 OPS
Same guy. Obviously not the same results. Not the kind of guy you want pinch hitting, right? Well, it’s happening. In fact, it’s happened 8 times. Know the culprit?
What about this stat-line from another Braves player?
First 8 plate appearances: 3 hits, 2 doubles, 1 triple, 3 RBI, 1.375 OPS
Lookin’ good, right? Not so fast, pilgrim.
Next 29 plate appearances: 4 hits, 2 runs, 2 RBI, 0 XBH, 0 BB, .315 OPS. Hasn’t seen action of any sort in over a week.
Who are these players? No peaking! Got your guess? Ok, you can proceed to next slide.