Jim Jarvis and Brewer Hicklen each doubled in the eighth inning of Wednesday night's game to help spur the Atlanta Braves to a much needed victory over the Padres. While that is not a sentence anyone expected to hear back in March, the aforementioned duo have become a bit of a spark plug since their arrival in Atlanta.
Jarvis, in particular, has made real strides and is playing like he has no intention of surrendering the starting shortstop gig anytime soon. However, Jarvis and Hicklen shouldn't get too comfortable, as a couple of key pieces are nearing their return to the big league club.
🚨Ronald Acuña Jr. is batting 1.000 at Gwinnett Field in 2026 🚨 pic.twitter.com/au02Vxvqbd
— Gwinnett Stripers (@GoStripers) July 21, 2026
Ronald Acuña Jr. and Ha-Seong Kim nearing return means someone is on borrowed time
Braves fans have been awaiting the return of Ronald Acuña Jr. since he reinjured his hamstring back in early June. Acuña cleared a notable milestone on Wednesday when he played in his third consecutive rehab game, meaning his return to Atlanta could happen very soon.
Not far behind the former MVP is the $20 million shortstop Ha-Seong Kim. We all know the story of Kim's struggles thus far in 2026, but reports out of Gwinnett mention HSK is finding more consistent hard contact during his rehab outing.
If Acuña Jr. and Kim return this weekend, the previously mentioned Jarvis and Hicklen could feel the impact of those moves the most. While it's not a guarantee that Jarvis and Hicklen would be the corresponding roster moves, they at the very least would presumably have their playing time cut.
Jorge Mateo, Dominic Smith, and Eli White are all in jeopardy of losing their spot on the 26-man roster when RAJ and HSK return, especially when Jarvis and Hicklen continue to produce in the opportunities they are given. Ultimately, in these situations, we often see that the players who have minor league options remaining are the ones who fall victim to the roster crunch.
This decision is one the front office will weigh heavily over the next 24 hours, as they must balance preserving organizational depth versus fielding their most complementary and producing 26-man roster.
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