With the Atlanta Braves sitting at a dismal 4-11, Atlanta fans have been begging for something to change. While not a major change, the Braves made a tweak to their lineup ahead of Monday’s game at the Toronto Blue Jays, one they hope will make a difference.
Atlanta will start Eli White in left field and Stuart Fairchild in right field, while Bryan De La Cruz shifts to the designated hitter spot, giving Marcell Ozuna the night off. The move gives struggling outfielder Jarred Kelenic a much-needed off day. Kelenic has played in every game so far, so the day off could serve him well.
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Kelenic’s struggles have been widely scrutinized by Atlanta’s fanbase, with many fans asking for him to be benched. Several fans wanted to see Alex Verdugo called up from Triple-A, but the Braves are sticking with their 26-man roster for Monday.
White and Fairchild have combined for just 19 at-bats this season, so the Braves are hoping for at least one of the two to provide an unexpected spark. However unlikely the spark may be, Atlanta needed to make a lineup shift amid the rough start.
Atlanta Braves outfielder Stuart Fairchild (17) rounds the bases against the Miami Marlins at Truist Park on April 5, 2025. Fairchild will look to provide a spark for Atlanta Monday night.Mady Mertens/Imagn Images
One bright spot for the Braves in the past week has been catcher Sean Murphy. Since returning from the injured list on April 6, Murphy is 5-19 with three timely home runs. Murphy will bat fourth Monday night against the Blue Jays with Ozuna off. It will be Murphy’s first time batting clean-up this year and the highest in the order he’s hit since his return.
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By shifting Murphy up and inserting White and Fairchild, the Braves are showing that they are trying to fix their offensive struggles. It’s certainly not a guaranteed solution given White and Fairchild’s career struggles , but it could provide a short-term spark for Atlanta.
Star Ronald Acuña Jr. is set to return within the next three weeks, so the Braves have to make do with what they have until their superstar returns. Perhaps White or Fairchild can produce until Acuña’s return.
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