Surprise Braves player could benefit the most from universal DH

Marcell Ozuna is expected to be the universal DH for the Atlanta Braves, but there’s another player who could benefit the most from exclusive at-bats.

Beyond the Freddie Freeman signing, there is still uncertainty about the Braves roster heading into the 2022 MLB season. Marcell Ozuna is expected to take over the designated hitter position, but there is another Braves outfielder who could ease back into his position through at-bats as the DH.

Ronald Acuña Jr. is slated to enter the lineup until July, but taking over at DH could help him ease back into his position as an everyday outfielder.

Ronald Acuña injury: When will he come back?

Acuña isn’t expected back until July, as the Braves outfielder suffered a torn ACL in what was otherwise an MVP-caliber season.

The Braves were able to win a World Series without him, but at the time of his injury Acuña was slashing .283/.394/.596 with a .990 OPS and 24 home runs.

Braves could benefit from making Ronald Acuña Jr. the universal DH

According to The Athletic’s David O’Brien, there’s quite a case to be made for seeing Acuña Jr. occasionally play DH once he comes back from his torn ACL injury.

"“Ozuna was the Braves’ DH in 39 of 60 games in 2020 and batted a stunning .362 with 14 homers, 40 RBIs and a 1.155 OPS in that role, winning the first Silver Slugger Award for an NL designated hitter. Due to his defensive shortcomings, using him at DH seems likely on a team that returns solid-fielding sluggers Adam Duvall and Ronald Acuña Jr. at the corner-outfield positions.Acuña spent the offseason rehabbing from July surgery for a torn ACL in his right knee, and is expected to be ready by May and perhaps sooner. He will likely be used as DH occasionally to give his legs a rest, particularly if he ends up playing more center field than the Braves would prefer. Having the DH could also allow Snitker to give his infielders an occasional rest while keeping them in the lineup, since they all prefer to play every day and almost did in 2021 — Austin Riley and Dansby Swanson each played 160 of 161 team games, Freeman played 159 and Ozzie Albies 156.”"

The Braves have plenty of power on their roster, but with the expected DH designation through the CBA, sluggers like Acuña could ease back into their everyday grind while contributing to the team while getting reps and sharpening after the lengthy offseason.