The Braves had quite a day on Wednesday, with mixed results, but their young outfielder acquired this offseason seems to be hitting his stride. Kelenic came with all the upside of a premium prospect, but with some struggles at the major league level that had taken some shine off. He had a middling start to the season for Atlanta, bolstered by some BABIP luck and following a brutal spring training. He currently has a 129 wRC+ in the month of June, with a wOBA that almost exactly matches his xwOBA. He has also really found his power stroke, which was largely missing to start the season. Not only has this been huge for Atlanta in the midst of so many injuries, but if he can be a solidly above average hitter with good corner outfield defense (and center in a pinch, like he is playing now), that is an absolutely tremendous pickup for some cash in the offseason. He is not a free agent until 2029, and that is if he doesn’t sign an extension as the team loves to do with young players. Obviously this is still a small sample, but he is clearly a very talented guy and has shown a progression since joining the club. Hopefully this is something close to a new baseline for Jarred at the plate.
Braves News
Kelenic powered the offense with a homer and two other hits on the way to a 6-2 Braves victory in the rain delayed first game of the doubleheader that was only a doubleheader due to rain yesterday.
The second game did not go as well as the first, with Bryce Elder pitching a solid game, but the Braves ultimately losing 4-1.
MLB News
Houston’s JP France will undergo season ending shoulder surgery, after starting the season in the rotation and struggling.
Dallas Kuechel (Braves’ legend) was called up and started for Milwaukee Wednesday afternoon. He gave up 5 runs over 4.0 innings.
Twins’ top 100 pitching prospect David Festa will start Thursday’s game for him in his major league debut, facing the Diamondbacks.
The Rangers optioned Ezequiel Duran to AAA, after what has been a putrid start to the season for him at the plate, particularly bad in June.