"As for who will bat second, that is still an open question according to the new Braves' skipper, with Weiss noting that both catcher Drake Baldwin and first baseman Matt Olson hit left-handed pitching well enough that he could hit them back-to-back. Outfielder/designated hitter Jurickson Profar is likely another option, specially given his ability to switch-hit and get on base."
"Braves manager Walt Weiss told reporters this morning that Acuña, Jr. will reclaim his spot at the top of the order, batting lead-off for the team this season. Despite some questionable line-up constructions with Acuña, Jr. last season - him batting seventh was a thing that happened - it was reasonable to have expected him to return to the top of the order, the question was whether or not that would be in the lead-off spot or batting second."
Walt Weiss named Ronald Acuña, Jr. the Braves' lead-off hitter for the 2026 season. Acuña, Jr. has previously started 676 games at the top of the lineup and has hit third 46 times. He produced MLB's first 40-home-run, 70-stolen-base season in history. Last season featured unconventional lineup choices, including Acuña batting seventh at times, raising questions about his placement. The second spot remains undecided, with Drake Baldwin and Matt Olson cited as left-handed options and Jurickson Profar noted for switch-hitting and on-base ability. Health over the next five weeks is framed as critical before the home opener against the Kansas City Royals.
Read at Battery Power
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]