Atlanta Has Outfield Options if Ronald Acuña Jr Isn't Ready For Opening Day

The Atlanta Braves have given themselves options if they're going to be without the reigning MVP for a little while

The Atlanta Braves shouldn't be worried. But it's right to be prepared. 

While all reports are that the sore right knee of Ronald Acuña Jr isn't a long-term issue and that he should be ready for Opening Day, the team is taking every precaution and sending him for further evaluation. If Dr. Neil ElAttrache, the same surgeon to the sports stars who did his 2021 ACL surgery, gives the all-clear, we can exhale. 

But in the meantime, the Braves roster is prepared for the absence of any single player. While it's impossible to replace Ronald Acuña Jr, the roster can cover the innings if needed. Let's look at the options for the Braves: 

J.P. Martínez could be the next man up

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Martínez, a late addition to the team via a January trade with the Texas Rangers, makes sense as a potential full-time outfield option if Ronald misses some time.

The 27-year-old was named an organizational All-Star for Texas last year, batting .297/.425/.538 w/ 14 homers and 41 stolen bases in only 82 games divided between AA and AAA. He also got a brief cup of coffee in the majors, batting .225 in 17 games. 

Capable of playing all three defensive positions, Martínez was made expendable for the Rangers by the emergence of top prospects Evan Carter and Wyatt Langford, both outfielders. We previously had Martínez slated for an everyday job in AAA Gwinnett, with the caveat that he'd probably be the first call-up if Atlanta needed another everyday starter. 

Forrest Wall's raking and wants that gig

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Wall, who got into 15 games with the big league team last season, has been raking in spring training as he tries to show he's more than just a "speed and defense" guy. 

The 28-year-old spent time this offseason working on his offense with Braves hitting coaches and seems like he should have a leg up on Martínez owing to his familiarity on the roster: he spent several months on the major league roster last season and is well-liked in the clubhouse. 

His lack of major league experience - only 15 plate appearances, all coming last season - shouldn't be a major factor since Martínez only has about 44 PAs himself, all with a different organization. 

Is Eli White an option?

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Another former Texas Rangers outfielder, White was acquired last January and spent some major league time with the Braves early, getting into six games and playing 41 defensive innings before being DFA'd in July and returning to the organization. He is not currently on the 40-man roster.

Batting .254 in 43 games with AAA Gwinnett last season and being a career .181 hitter across 136 major league games, the 29-year-old White feels like more of a 4th outfield option than a replacement for an injured starter...but he's playing right field today and has a few weeks to make his case. 

How do they feel about Jordan Luplow?

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The Braves have long had interest in Luplow, signing him to a deal last offseason before losing him on waivers in April and watching him bounce around the league before re-signing him this offseason. 

The 30-year-old is by far the most experienced of Atlanta's NRI outfielders in camp, with 361 games of experience in his seven-year MLB career. A .212 hitter in the majors, Luplow got time at all three defensive positions during his 32 games with the Twins and Blue Jays last season, as well as some limited time at first base and on the mound. 

Is there an AA rabbit in the hat?

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Alex Anthopoulos, Braves president of baseball operations and general manager, has done a lot of work this offseason to both shed underperforming or overpriced depth and give Atlanta quality backup options at every level. 

And the best part of that, compared to the rest of the league, is Atlanta's 40-man-roster situation. 

With only 37 players currently on it and three more spots available by moving injured pitchers to the 60-day IL (Ian Anderson, Penn Murfee, and Angel Perdomo), the Braves are poised to jump at the opportunity to add a veteran who's released between now and Opening Day. 

While there may not be much playing time available, the opportunity to join a winning organization may be too much to pass up for a veteran who both wants to win and extend their career by one more season. 

If Ronald Acuña Jr misses time to start the season, who would you like to see take his place? Let us know!