Atlanta Braves outfielder Jarred Kelenic was sent down to Triple-A Gwinnett on Monday. The move follows criticism from teammate Ronald Acua Jr., who suggested that Kelenic was being held to a different standard than other players. Acua Jr. did not mention Kelenic by name, but the implication was clear. Kelenic had been struggling at the plate, batting .200 with one home run and four RBIs in 20 games this season.
The Braves acquired Kelenic in a trade with the Seattle Mariners this offseason. He was expected to compete for a starting job in the outfield. However, he has not lived up to expectations. The team hopes that Kelenic will use his time in Triple-A to work on his hitting mechanics and regain his confidence. A return to the major league roster will depend on his performance in the minor leagues.
Braves manager Brian Snitker addressed the media, stating the decision was made to allow Kelenic to play more regularly and work on his game without the pressure of the major league environment. 'He needs to get at-bats and get back to being the player we know he can be,' Snitker said. The Braves are optimistic that Kelenic will return to the team later in the season.
Braves Send Jarred Kelenic to Triple-A After Acua Jr. Criticism
Outfielder Jarred Kelenic has been demoted to Triple-A by the Atlanta Braves. This move comes a week after teammate Ronald Acua Jr. publicly questioned the team's handling of Kelenic's performance. The Braves are looking for Kelenic to improve his hitting and regain his confidence in the minor leagues. The team hopes he will return to the majors soon.