Atlanta Braves outfielder Eli White has emerged as a crucial offensive force in recent days, delivering several key home runs that have energized the team. At the MLB Speedway Classic on Sunday, White hit two home runs and drove in four runs, helping the Braves secure a 4-2 victory over the Cincinnati Reds. He continued his strong performance with a solo home run during Tuesday’s 7-2 loss against the Milwaukee Brewers. This turnaround has sparked discussions around an Eli White Braves lineup move that could increase his role in the coming weeks.
Consistent Contributions Amid Team Struggles
White’s hitting has been a bright spot amid ongoing offensive challenges for the Braves. Over the past three days, he has contributed five of the team’s last seven runs, showing an unexpected ability to produce runs when the lineup as a whole has struggled. Manager Brian Snitker highlighted White’s consistent effort throughout the season as a major factor behind his rise.
“Eli’s made the most of his opportunities all year,”
Snitker said.
“He’s done a really nice job.”
Snitker also noted that moving White further up the batting order is a viable option, especially as he covers for the injured Ronald Acuña Jr. On the season, White is batting .254 with a .715 OPS, tallying seven home runs and 26 RBIs. Over his last 26 games, his batting average has risen to .286 with an OPS of .839, underscoring his improvement.
From Depth Player to Offensive Weapon
White’s journey to becoming a key contributor was not expected heading into the season. He did not earn a spot on the Braves’ active roster out of Spring Training due to concerns about his batting, with his speed initially being the key factor for his inclusion. Early in the season, White’s role was limited mostly to pinch running and defensive substitutions late in games.
Ronald Acuña Jr.’s ACL injury created an opportunity for White to secure more playing time in the outfield. Since then, White has outperformed several outfielders who had higher profile roles, including Jarred Kelenic, Bryan De La Cruz, Stuart Fairchild, and Alex Verdugo. Both Kelenic and De La Cruz have moved on to other teams or levels, while White has continued to establish himself within the Braves’ roster.
Challenges in Maintaining Playing Time with Acuña’s Return
With Acuña expected back soon, the Braves will face a challenge in maintaining White’s increased playing time, especially given the presence of Michael Harris II and Jurickson Profar in the outfield. However, the team appears motivated to find a way to keep White in the lineup, recognizing his recent impact and ability to contribute offensively.
White’s remarkable string of hitting demonstrates both his readiness and potential to take on a more prominent role. The Braves’ adjustments to their outfield configuration could be a key development as they navigate the rest of the season, aiming to maximize their offensive output.