The Atlanta Braves are happy to leave Boston after splitting a quick two-game series with the Red Sox. They were encouraged in game one as the offense seemed to wake up behind a historic start from Max Fried.
However, Sean Murphy was hit in the elbow by a pitch late in that game and it ballooned immediately. Luckily, the swelling went down overnight and appeared to have avoided the worst-case scenario. Murphy had just returned a week ago from the IL.
Braves fans had another scare during Wednesday afternoon's loss to the Red Sox. Outfielder Jarred Kelenic dove for a ball and made an impressive catch to end the inning. However, his wrist rolled up under him and immediately indicated he was hurt.
Jarred Kelenic is staying in the game after this diving catch. pic.twitter.com/G94t62vsbN
— Bally Sports South (@BallySportsSO) June 5, 2024
He was looked over on the field and walked off on his own after they examined his wrist area. It seemed the focus was more on his thumb area than the wrist. During the break between innings, Atlanta's training staff taped up Kelenic and he got some hits in off a tee and it seemed he'd avoided catastrophe.
Kelenic took the field during the next inning but he was removed by Brian Snitker when his spot in the batting order came around. After the game, Snit stated his reasoning wasn't due to concern with Jarred swinging the bat but rather Rafael Devers hitting another home run which extended Boston's already large lead.
It was also revealed that X-rays returned negative for Kelenic's wrist. In his post-game comments, he stated he was "lucky" to avoid serious injury and passed strength tests. He expected to and could have batted but Snit wanted to give J.P. Martinez a chance to hit.
“I think I got lucky. I just kinda jammed my wrist a little bit. Didn’t feel anything crazy, but I passed all the test. Little stiff but I should be fine”
— Bally Sports: Braves (@BravesOnBally) June 5, 2024
Jarred Kelenic provides an update on how he is feeling after making a diving play and falling on his wrist⤵️ pic.twitter.com/n4FEFFTFnz
Atlanta avoided another injury and while they have other internal options if he had been hurt, it wouldn't have been ideal. His bat has been inconsistent at times but his defense is arguably irreplaceable in left field.
The team didn't announce if he was considered day-to-day or anything like that so it's likely Kelenic will be in the lineup as the Braves begin a four-game series with the Nationals in DC. We will keep you updated if that changes for any reason.
Atlanta continues to suffer from an inconsistent offense and finds themselves eight games back of the first-place Phillies with a 34-25 record. Hopefully, their upcoming series with Washington helps get them back on track.