Recent Shift in Batting Lineup Seems to Have Helped Atlanta Braves

The Braves are taking no chances this season with injury after the disaster that was the 2024 season. Despite their growing number of losses the Braves have been slow and strategic with the returns of key players like Spencer Strider, Sean Murphy and Ronald Acuña Jr.

While the MRI taken on Ozuna’s hip was considered to be nothing serious, he is still listed as day to day. According to Ben Ingram from Atlanta Braves Radio Network he will remain in Atlanta for the rest of the series against Toronto.

Ozuna’s open spot has left opportunities for other Braves’ bats to see the starting lineup. On April 14 Eli White started in left field, Stuart Fairchild played right field and Bryan De La Cruz took on the DH spot in the Braves’ lineup.

While it was hard for many fans to see Ozuna’s name not listed as the Braves’ DH, whatever they did against the Blue Jays worked for them. They managed to pull themselves back into the win column with an 8-4 victory over Toronto.

Austin Riley kept his bat hot all night hitting two homers that also ran White in as well. After suffering now 11 losses the Braves have needed to try everything in the book to bring themselves back into the win column. Sidelining the Big Bear may have been the key.

Unfortunately this doesn’t look good for Ozuna. He is in the final year of his contract with Atlanta. If he does not perform the way the Braves need him to this season, despite his resume and loyalty to this team, he may find himself entering free agency come the end of the 2025 season.