Atlanta Braves News: Jarred Kelenic breakout, busy doubleheader, more

The Braves had quite a day Wednesday, with mixed results, but their young outfielder acquired this offseason appears to be hitting his stride. Kelenic came with all the upside of a high-end prospect, but with some struggles at the major league level that had lost some of his luster. He had a mediocre start to the season for Atlanta, buoyed by some luck with BABIP and after a brutal spring training. He currently has a 129 wRC+ in the month of June, with a wOBA that matches his xwOBA almost exactly. He also really found his power stroke, which he largely lacked to start the season. Not only has this been huge for Atlanta amid so many injuries, but if he can be a well-above-average hitter with good corner defense (and a center in a pinch, like he’s playing now), it’s absolutely wonderful. raising some money during the offseason. He won’t be a free agent until 2029, unless he signs an extension like the team likes to do with young players. Obviously it’s still a small sample size, but he’s clearly a very talented guy and has shown progression since arriving at the club. Hopefully this is something that approaches a new baseline for Jarred at the plate.

Braves News

Kelenic powered the offense with a home run and two more hits en route to a 6-2 rain-affected Braves victory that delayed the first game of the doubleheader that was only a doubleheader due to rain yesterday.

The second game didn’t go as well as the first, with Bryce Elder pitching a solid game, but the Braves ultimately lost 4-1.

MLB News

Houston’s JP France will undergo season-ending shoulder surgery after starting the season in the rotation and struggling.

Dallas Kuechel (Braves legend) was called up and started for Milwaukee on Wednesday afternoon. He allowed 5 runs in 4.0 innings.

Twins Top 100 pitching prospect David Festa will start Thursday’s game for him in his major league debut against the Diamondbacks.

The Rangers optioned Ezequiel Duran to AAA after what was a putrid start to the season for him at the plate, particularly bad in June.