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4 Candidates to Replace Injured Atlanta Braves OF Cristian Pache

By Matt Melton

ATLANTA, GA - SEPTEMBER 27: Ender Inciarte #11 of the Atlanta Braves in action during a game against the Boston Red Sox at Truist Park on September 27, 2020 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - SEPTEMBER 27: Ender Inciarte #11 of the Atlanta Braves in action during a game against the Boston Red Sox at Truist Park on September 27, 2020 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images) /
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Atlanta Braves
Ender Inciarte of the Atlanta Braves in center field (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images) /

1. Ender Inciarte – Atlanta Braves CF

While some Atlanta Braves fans may not like the move, this is the most likely candidate to replace Pache in center field.

Now in year six as a member of the Atlanta Braves, Ender Inciarte is a proven and reliable option defensively in center field. Using Inciarte would allow the Braves to keep Acuna in right, and also supply help in left for Ozuna.

Sure the bat isn’t what it has been earlier in his career, but Inciarte would be a quality option at the plate until Pache returns.

Inciarte is off to a 1/11 start to the season at the plate, and has appeared in 9 games for the Braves so far this season. Braves fans know what Inciarte can bring when he is fully healthy. While he may not be a full-time starter anymore, Inciarte has shown that he can get on base, and provide strong defensive play.

Looking back at Inciarte’s 2019 season with Atlanta in limited AB’s, if we get these numbers from Inciarte, it’s a massive win.

Ender Inciarte 2019 stats (baseball-reference.com)

  • 199 AB’s – .246 AVG, 49 H, 30 R, 5 HR, 24 RBI, 7 SB, .343 OBP, .740 OPS, 87 OPS+

Based on Pache’s current production, anything you get offensively is a win. If Inciarte hits .240 and plays good defense for a few weeks starting in centerfield, that is 100% a win for the Atlanta Braves.

As mentioned previously, this would not be a full-time gig in center for Inciarte. Regardless of opinions on his recent play, the veteran former gold-glover would be a quality replacement until Pache returns.

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