On Thursday night, the Atlanta Braves showed exactly what their lineup is capable of when fully healthy, overpowering the Miami Marlins to extend their winning streak to eight games. Stringing together victories like this has helped quiet some of the criticism that followed what many viewed as an underwhelming trade deadline earlier in the week.
Of course, there were several moves fans hoped the Braves would make, but each potential deal likely would have required giving up key pieces from the roster. As the season winds down, certain players now face increasing pressure to prove their value every time they take the field. Here’s a look at a few players who remained with the team after the deadline but could be on shaky ground for the rest of the year.
3 Braves who will not be on the roster before the season ends
Choosing Ha-Seong Kim as the final bench option is, at the very least, a curious decision. Walt Weiss appears committed to using Mauricio Dubon and Jim Jarvis at shortstop for now, leaving Kim with limited opportunities to see the field.
With his role reduced to the end of the bench, Kim’s spot on the roster is far from secure. The Braves could opt to replace him at any time with a player who offers more speed or power—qualities that may be more valuable to Atlanta as they prepare for the postseason.
The Braves upgraded the third lefty in their bullpen by trading for Brent Suter at the deadline on Monday. The Danny Young experiment was a valiant shot worth taking, but it has been a clear failure. After Young got hit around against the Marlins on Thursday night, his ERA ballooned to 6.10. What’s scarier is that his FIP is higher than his ERA, meaning nothing in Young’s profile suggests he is worth keeping around much longer.
This situation is a bit more nuanced, especially considering how impactful Dom Smith was for the Braves early in the season. However, after that strong start, he endured a lengthy power drought throughout the summer, which has significantly cooled his momentum. As the team has gotten healthier, his opportunities at designated hitter have naturally decreased.
If Sean Murphy returns to form at the plate, it could open the door for more DH at-bats for Drake Baldwin. On top of that, the Braves will likely look to give Ronald Acuña Jr. regular reps in that role whenever possible. Another factor working against Smith is the recent availability of a few notable power hitters on the market. While it may take further struggles for a move to happen, it wouldn’t be surprising if the Braves eventually upgrade his roster spot before October.
