Atlanta Braves manager Brian Snitker on why Ender Inciarte was removed from lineup
By Jeff Schafer
Braves outfielder, Inciarte, was removed from the lineup on Thursday
When the Atlanta Braves lineup came out for Thursday’s game against the Detroit Tigers, Ender Inciarte was batting first and playing center field. But, when the game started, he was not on the field.
During the game, reports came out that Inciarte was removed from the lineup because of groin tightness. Oh great, right? Not so fast.
Braves manager Brian Snitker told reporters following the game that it was more of a precautionary move.
“If it was a regular season game, there would have been no question he would have been out there and fine.”
Snitker went on to say that he expects Ender to be back in the lineup on Saturday.
In 11 games in the 2018 Spring Training, Inciarte is hitting .310 with nine hits, one double, three runs scored, three walks and has three stolen bases.
The injury sounds like it’s a very non-issue as of now. The Braves aren’t even listing it on their injury list on their website.
But what if it turns into something?
The biggest topic on social media for Atlanta Braves fans seems to be what will the Braves do with Ronald Acuna to open the 2018 season. Will he be on the Opening Day roster or will the Braves send him down to Gwinnett so they get that extra year of control?
If the Braves do send him down to Gwinnett to gain that seventh year of service time, they’re able to call him up on April 13th.
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Even with Acuna having a terrific Spring Training — hitting .417 with three home runs and four stolen bases — it sounds as though the Braves will send him to Triple-A for the first few weeks of the 2018 season.
So if an injury happens to Inciarte, would that change anything for Acuna?
The Braves would have some options if a more sever injury or the groin injury lingers. Lane Adams could fill in at center field and Preston Tucker could take the left field job. Or because he’s having a great spring, Danny Santana could fill a gap in center field and keep Adams and Tucker in a platoon role in left field.
But, it would be nice to have Acuna, wouldn’t it? We’re all excited about this 20-year-old top prospect, but it has to make sense business wise for the Braves. Keeping him in the minors for 16 days makes the most sense. Bryce Harper and Kris Bryant both went through this.
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The best scenario for the Braves would be a healthy Inciarte. A lot of people are pumped about the young kids — Ozzie Albies, Acuna and the young pitchers — but we can’t forget about the core veteran guys who will help carry this team to greatness.
Hopefully Inciarte will be back out there for the Braves split-squad game on Saturday.