The Atlanta Braves removed Orlando Arcia in the sixth inning of their game between the St. Louis Cardinals on Monday night. The shortstop left the game after taking an at-bat in the top of the inning. and eventually replaced by Zack Short.
A few minutes after leaving the game, speculation swirled among fans as they didn't see an obvious injury occur. However, the Braves announced shortly after that he had been removed as a precaution for dizziness.
SS Orlando Arcia was removed from tonight’s game as a precaution due to dizziness.
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) June 25, 2024
Does Orlando Arcia's departure mean it's time for Nacho Alvarez Jr?
Probably not. It's been no secret that the 2023 All-Star has been among one of the worst hitters in baseball over the last two months. After a moderately hot start, the 29-year-old has slashed .213/.245/.346 (62 wRC+) and been worth just 0.3 fWAR.
Because of Arcia's struggles, as well as Nacho Alvarez's hot start in Gwinnett, there have been some who have wondered whether it's time to give the young prospect a shot at short instead.
However, this dizzy spell is likely not going to Wally Pipp Orlando Arcia out of a job. In the last decade, the Braves have announced dizziness as the cause for four other players' departures from games. Of the four, none of them missed more than a few days.
Manager Brian Snitker announced after the game that he believed Orlando was a bit dehydrated. Snit also added that he may give Arcia the day off during Tuesday's game in St. Louis.
As long as Orlando Arcia avoids an IL stint, which is the most likely scenario, Zack Short will fill in at short until Arcia is ready to play again. Short spent two weeks filling in for the injured Austin Riley and has a .127/.273/.164 slash line on the season (40 wRC+). Despite the low average and slugging, Short's walk rate has made his overall production very similar to Arcia's since the beginning of May with a 42 wRC+ to Arcia's 38 wRC+.
The Braves seem to be content running out Arcia despite his struggles at the plate because of the defense he offers. While the Braves might need to decide on the position at some point, this dizzy spell likely won't be what spurs that decision.