Atlanta Braves roster: patches needed for a stumbling lineup

Catching up

TDA got a homer and a couple of doubles, but like most of the lineup, hasn’t found high-gear yet. He entered Thursday batting .231/.268/.359/.627 and struck out in his only PA after entering in a double switch.

d’Arnaud appeared in 44 regular-season games in 2020 and posted career-best totals. He went 12-42, with half of those hits coming in the three Marlins’ games in the postseason. He was visibly, and quite reasonably, tired in the World Series and can’t be expected to produce at the same level over a 162 game season.

The Atlanta Braves opted to use Alex Jackson to backup TDA, preferring to have William Contreras play every day at the alternate site. Jackson’s provided sound defense so far and is 1-5 at the plate, but he’s looked overmatched against the best pitchers. When he, Riley, and Pache play, the lineup is very short of offense.

That’s a wrap

The next 13 games are important for the Atlanta Braves. The Cubs have the worst offense in the NL at the moment. Their starters have a 5.37 ERA, while the relief corps sits at 3.19.

Getting to the starters early and keeping the Cubs off the base paths is important because Craig Kimbrel once again looks like the league’s best closer. He’s yet to allow a run, has a 0.31 FIP and a 15 K/9 rate.

According to David O’Brien, the club will make a roster move to add a bench bat for the trip.  Johan Camargo has been given that call.

The Braves will likely see old friend Shelby Miller this weekend – perhaps Friday – along with Zach Davies and Trevor Williams, in some order. There is an outside shot that Kyle Hendricks will be back for Sunday’s game.  A breakout trip to Wrigley would make a great end to the week.