Atlanta Braves promote Ronald Acuna
By Fred Owens
The day many Atlanta Braves fans begged for arrived, Ronald Acuña joins the team for Wednesday’s game against the Reds.
Source: Ronal Acuña has been called up to the Big Leagues. #Braves.
— Daniel Álvarez-Montes (@DanielAlvarezEE) April 25, 2018
According to Mark Bowman he will start in left field for the Atlanta Braves tomorrow night.
Source confirms Acuna has been informed he's being called up for the Braves. The plan is for him to join the team tomorrow.
— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) April 25, 2018
Braves fans pined for Acuna since he put on a powerful display of skills in spring training. There dreams came true tonight.
Why now
A cynic would suggest that the promotion of Ronald Acuña now is a move to distract fans from two awful games and a bullpen who has trouble locating the plate.
More from Tomahawk Take
- Atlanta Braves 2012 Prospect Review: Joey Terdoslavich
- Braves News: Braves sign Fuentes, Andruw’s HOF candidacy, more
- The Weakest Braves Homers Since 2015
- Atlanta Braves Sign Joshua Fuentes to Minor League Deal
- Braves News: New Year’s Eve comes with several questions about the 2023 Braves
The Braves spin this as a need to improve the lineup. The lineup hasn’t been the problem, the Braves entered tonight’s game having scored 115 runs and allowed only 87. The run differential shifted slightly tonight but this lineup’s being doing the job.
The problem’s been the bullpen giving away games and forcing the lineup to come from behind in games they should have wrapped up.
While Tucker cooled off over the last few games he doubled tonight and had a hit last night. It’s hard to see how Acuña’s arrival alters that situation significantly.
He does bring enthusiasm and tons of talent to a team about to become relevant again. He’s a true five tool player who hits, for average and power, has a cannon for an arm and a 70 rated speed tool.
Update: Acuna to bat sixth tonight.
Ronald Acuña Jr. makes his big-league debut tonight vs. the Reds! #ChopOn
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) April 25, 2018
Game Preview: https://t.co/GHYJw3bwSl pic.twitter.com/938IJntLrJ
Roster move needed
The Braves 40 man roster had a vacancy and didn’t require a move to add Acuña. While there’s been no official word – it is 2:15 a.m. on the east coast – it’s likely that his 25 man roster spot will come from a DFA of Peter Bourjos.
Bourjos came as a backup center fielder when we really had no need for one. Lane Adams did everything better but Bourjos reputation got him a job and cost Adams his. Karma likely strikes back tomorrow.
UPDATE 2:00 Eastern
As predicted the Braves DFA Bourjos.
Bourjos DFA'd to make room on #Braves roster for Acuna. Not surprising, given how much more versatility Culberson has and fact they just don't need another pure backup OF now with 3 who'll play virtually every day. Have Tucker, Flaherty can play OF, even Camargo can play some OF
— David O'Brien (@DOBrienATL) April 25, 2018
That’s A Wrap
The Braves came to Cincinnati on a roll having dispatched the Mets and Phillies and scared the Cubs to death. Then they immediately lost two games to the worst team in baseball.
The team’s problems begin with starters than don’t make it to the seventh inning. They’re followed by a bullpen that walks the first batter way too often. It does a team no good to score seven when the bullpen gives away eight.
Acuña solves neither of those problems, that’s why he appears to be a distraction. His addition will however add excitement and improved defense as well as perk up the fanbase. . . at least until the bullpen enters the game.
Next: Another loss and more excuses
I suspect the Gwinnett shuttle will provide another reliever soon. I just don’t believe that’s enough.
We here at the Take congratulate Ronald Acuna on joining the major league team and wish him a long and productive career in Atlanta.