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Atlanta Braves lineup construction: Where to put Ronald Acuna and Josh Donaldson

By Jake Mastroianni

Atlanta Braves manager Brian Snitker argues with home plate umpire Dan Bellino after being ejected. (Photo by Mike Zarrilli/Getty Images)
Atlanta Braves manager Brian Snitker argues with home plate umpire Dan Bellino after being ejected. (Photo by Mike Zarrilli/Getty Images) /
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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MAY 08: Ronald Acuna Jr. #13 of the Atlanta Braves runs the bases after his two run homerun, to trail 3-2 to the Los Angeles Dodgers, during the fourth inning at Dodger Stadium on May 08, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MAY 08: Ronald Acuna Jr. #13 of the Atlanta Braves runs the bases after his two run homerun, to trail 3-2 to the Los Angeles Dodgers, during the fourth inning at Dodger Stadium on May 08, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

Where should Acuna bat

I’m still not a huge fan of Acuna batting leadoff. He needs to be hitting where he’s going to get a lot of RBI opportunities.

But there really is nothing else Brian Snitker can do right now. He needs a spark at the top of the lineup and Ozzie Albies and Inciarte aren’t getting it done.

We all know what kind of pressure Acuna can put on a pitcher right out of the gate. Not only is Acuna a great hitter, but he can be a patient hitter.

He will come out and swing at first pitches, but then he knows how to work the count back in his favor — unlike his buddy Ozzie.

We’ve all seen the numbers, but here is just a quick reminder of what Acuna has done in the leadoff spot in his short career. He’s hitting .327 with 20 home runs in 266 at-bats.

I honestly think Acuna is going to hit no matter where you put him, but he’s certainly shown he feels comfortable batting leadoff.

Still, I feel like the best spot in the lineup for Acuan is second. Typically that’s where you put you’re best hitter, and that will eventually be Acuna.

The other option would be to move Freddie Freeman to second, which would be great with his .403 on-base percentage.

Either way, I want Acuna batting in one of the first three spots because he needs to bat in the first inning of every game, and I hate to see games end with him on deck or in the hole.

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