According to the Braves transactions page, they’ve inked right-handed outfield bat Jordan Luplow to a minor-league deal.
Luplow was actually with the Braves in Spring Training last year before being optioned to Gwinnett and eventually designated for assignment to make room on the roster for Dylan Dodd. He’s never been an everyday player, but he’s been a decent platoon option at times against left-handed pitching, owning a career .833 OPS with 31 homers in 481 career at-bats versus southpaws.
Last season, however, Luplow appeared in just 39 games between Toronto and Minnesota, hitting a measly .208 with a .647 OPS. I don’t view this as anything more than a depth signing. Perhaps Jordan Luplow can win one of the final bench spots coming out of Spring Training, but it’s highly unlikely the Braves expect him to platoon in left field. That spot, as of now, looks to be Jarred Kelenic‘s for good, as they hope they can squeeze the most out of his potential.
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